101:004,00@@@@@| 101:004,24[' ]| 101:004,25[' ]| 101:004,26[' ]| 101:004,27[A ]| It was a bitter night in$4$ June: and, although there was neither snow nor 101:004,28[A ]| ice, for$3$ such phenomena rarely distinguish an Australian winter, yet the 101:004,29[A ]| damp raw wind blew from the southern ocean with a hollow roar and a 101:004,30[A ]| penetrating power that$6#1$ no$2$ greatcoat could defy. In$4$ the old country I 101:004,31[A ]| had often crossed St*James*Park at midnight in$4$ only a light dress-coat, 101:004,32[A ]| when the summit of the York column and the roof of the Horse-guards 101:004,33[A ]| clock-tower glittered white in$4$ their snowy shroud, and the ornamental 101:004,34[A ]| water slept beneath three feet of solid ice; yet never had I felt such a 101:004,35[A ]| chiliness at the very bones as on$4$ this to$4$ me eventful evening in$4$ the year 101:004,36[A ]| 1852, when issuing from the long irregularly built wooden structure dignified 101:004,37[A ]| by$4$ the name of "Cafe=de*L'Europe" into Bourke-street. I made my 101:004,38[A ]| way through the uneven rut-wrinkled streets of Melbourne towards the 101:004,39[A ]| little inn, called "The*Golden*Nugget," where I expected to$9$ find my horse 101:004,40[A ]| and trap. 101:004,41[A ]| What magical changes do ten years sometimes produce. Can this 101:004,42[A ]| princely city that$6#1$ I now behold, with its broad well*paved gas-lit streets, 101:004,43[A ]| that$6#1$ would not disgrace the West*End of our London, and actually put to$4$ 101:004,44[A ]| shame those of our great manufacturing capitals of Manchester, Liverpool, 101:004,45[A ]| and Birmingham; this city, with its glittering shops, its noble public 101:004,46[A ]| buildings, elegant churches, and charitable institutions, its theatres, concert 101:004,47[A ]| halls, museums, libraries, giant warehouses and docks, its business 101:004,48[A ]| and its riches; this city that$6#1$ cries second to$4$ few of its century-aged rivals 101:004,49[A ]| in$4$ the old world; can it indeed be the same as the comfortless dreary 101:004,50[A ]| spot of almost Siberian wretchedness that$6#1$ I knew fourteen years since? 101:004,51[A ]| Even now, I can methinks see it in$4$ its past attire ~~ its rows of wooden 101:004,52[A ]| huts, with their tin or shingle roofs, interspersed with tents, mud hovels, 101:004,53[A ]| drinking booths, and here and there a row of stone houses lifting their 101:004,54[A ]| heads above their humbler brethren: streets that$6#1$ might be better termed 101:004,55[A ]| rivers of mud, with stumps of trees yet uncleared away in$4$ their midst: 101:004,56[A ]| carts drawn by$4$ oxen or horses, struggling through the mire, and often 101:004,57[A ]| hopelessly stuck in$4$ some deep rut; drivers swearing and cracking whips, 101:004,58[A ]| diggers and adventurers, often drunk and disorderly, reeling or trudging 101:004,59[A ]| through the mud slough, for$3$ fragments of paving only existed here 101:004,60[A ]| and there; emigrants, sick and disheartened, sitting in$4$ despair on$4$ their 101:004,61[A ]| sea-chests by$4$ the roadway, homeless and houseless, and unable to$9$ pay the 101:004,62[A ]| guinea a bed, and half guinea a meal, charged in$4$ the inns and grog-shops, 101:004,63[A ]| while from within those inns, whose doors stood invitingly open 101:004,64[A ]| for$4$ such as had a \full purse\, came the sounds of laughter and revelry, 101:004,65[A ]| mingled with the scraping of fiddles, the clattering of glasses and cans, 101:004,66[A ]| and occasionally the brutal oath, or the fierce sounds of strife. 101:004,67[A ]| But I am rambling from my subject, and what is worse, narrating an 101:004,68[A ]| oft-told tale. Most of my readers if they did not see, have yet been made 101:004,69[A ]| familiar, in$4$ the pages of the colonial or home press, with the aspect of 101:004,60[A ]| Melbourne at the first breaking out of the gold fever. It is during this 101:004,61[A ]| stormy period that$3$ the incidents of my tale are laid, and that$3$ I first 101:004,62[A ]| set foot on$4$ the shores of this great continent. 101:004,63[A ]| I did not come, however, as a seeker of the yellow metal. I had no$2$ ambition 101:004,64[A ]| to$9$ become a digger. In$4$ fact, reason taught me then what experience 101:004,65[A ]| has since convinced me of ~~ that$3$ he, who$6#1$, by$4$ the hard toil, finds the gold, 101:004,66[A ]| makes not so$5#1$ great a profit as he, who$6#1$, keeping to$4$ his trade or profession, 101:004,67[A ]| wins by$4$ his brains the wealth second hand. 101:004,68[A ]| I was a Detective Police Officer, and I quitted the service at home for$4$ 101:004,69[A ]| reasons which$6#1$ my conscience approved of, and owing in$4$ great measure to$4$ 101:004,70[A ]| an adventure which$6#1$ I have no$2$ space to$9$ relate here, but which$6#1$ would supply 101:005,01[A ]| incidents for$4$ a more thrilling narrative than the present, in$4$ which$6#1$ form I 101:005,02[A ]| may one day tell it you. 101:005,03[A ]| Bound by$4$ honour not again to$9$ exercise my calling in$4$ the old country, I 101:005,04[A ]| had no$2$ scruple at doing so$5#2$ in$4$ the new; and when I arrived at Melbourne 101:005,05[A ]| at the close of the year 1851, I found there was plenty of opening for$4$ me. 101:005,06[A ]| The police arrangements were very ineffective ~~ murders, stabbings, and 101:005,07[A ]| other outrages were of frequent occurrence in$4$ the city, and throughout 101:005,08[A ]| the country round prowling ruffians ~~ escaped convicts from Sydney or 101:005,09[A ]| Van*Diemen's*Land, were ever ready to$9$ waylay and murder the wandering 101:005,10[A ]| digger for$4$ the sake of the gold they expected to$9$ find on$4$ his person. 101:005,11[A ]| One of the greatest scoundrels of the latter class had, by$4$ the number of 101:005,12[A ]| murders he had committed, earned the cognomen of "Dick*the*Devil"; 101:005,13[A ]| his outrages had extended to$4$ within a quarter of a mile of the town; he 101:005,14[A ]| was wont to$9$ boast that$3$ he killed a man a week, and robbed one a day, and 101:005,15[A ]| so$5#1$ anxious was everyone for$4$ his capture that$3$ one thousand pounds was 101:005,16[A ]| offered for$4$ his body alive or dead. 101:005,17[A ]| This was the very worthy I was about to$9$ seek when I quitted the 101:005,18[A ]| "Cafe=*de*L'Europe," and turned my steps down Bourke-street on$4$ the 101:005,19[A ]| evening in$4$ question. 101:005,20[A ]| I had come to$4$ the knowledge, how and by$4$ what means is irrelevant, 101:005,21[A ]| that$3$ he would be at a hut a mile or so$5#2$ off the highway to$4$ Bundura at 101:005,22[A ]| eleven o'clock that$6#2$ night. This hut was inhabited by$4$ a shepherd belonging 101:005,23[A ]| to$4$ a neighbouring run, who$6#1$ was evidently through fear or inclination 101:005,24[A ]| an accomplice of the ruffian. I did not, however, fear the odds against 101:005,25[A ]| me, the reward offered was more than commensurate with the danger incurred. 101:005,26[A ]| Had I taken an aid that$6#2$ reward must have been shared, which$6#1$ I 101:005,27[A ]| did not care for$4$; the more particularly as the honour of the affair would 101:005,28[A ]| have to$9$ be divided also. A revolver and a bowie knife were my best 101:005,29[A ]| friends, and the only thing that$6#1$ caused me annoyance was, that$3$ a recent 101:005,30[A ]| kick from a horse prevented my crossing a saddle or walking very far; it 101:005,31[A ]| would also prevent my running away if such a course were needed, but 101:005,32[A ]| the necessity of the latter step I did not consider very probable. 101:005,33[A ]| Thus prevented from either walking or riding, I had as a 9dernier*resort 101:005,34[A ]| hired a light gig; for$3$ I knew the road to$4$ within a mile of the spot to$9$ be 101:005,35[A ]| a pretty good one, and I could then hobble my horse, and creep the rest 101:005,36[A ]| of the distance on$4$ foot. 101:005,37[A ]| This gig I had appointed to$9$ meet me at the door of "The*Golden*Nugget," 101:005,38[A ]| which$6#1$ inn was in$4$ Elizabeth-street, close to$4$ the Post*office, and 101:005,39[A ]| thither I now made my way, carefully picking my path so$5#2$ as to$9$ avoid the 101:005,40[A ]| dangerous ruts and holes half full of water, a task which$6#1$ the few flickering 101:005,41[A ]| oil lamps scarcely assisted me to$9$ perform. At last, however, I arrived at 101:005,42[A ]| the spot named; the gig was awaiting me; I consulted my watch, it was 101:005,43[A ]| nine o'clock, and as I had eight miles to$9$ drive and perhaps one to$9$ walk, 101:005,44[A ]| it was time to$9$ be \9en*route\. So$5#2$, after tossing off a nobbler of rum punch 101:005,45[A ]| to$9$ keep the cold out, and examining the caps on$4$ my revolver, I clambered 101:005,46[A ]| into my somewhat dilapidated vehicle, gathered up$5$ the reins, and whipped 101:005,47[A ]| the raw-boned old mare into a trot. 101:005,48[A ]| The gleam of light from a few open pot-house doors, enabled me to$9$ 101:005,49[A ]| escape driving over the crowds of half dressed children, mingled with dogs 101:005,50[A ]| and goats, that$6#1$ seemed to$9$ divide the centre of the street between them; 101:005,51[A ]| and in$4$ a few minutes the last straggling outskirts of the city were passed, 101:005,52[A ]| and I was rattling along the road that$6#1$ leads to$4$ the now pretty little village 101:005,53[A ]| of Flemington. 101:005,54[A ]| It should have been a light night, for$3$ the moon was nearly at its full, 101:005,55[A ]| but the heavy masses of cloud only allowed her radiance to$9$ appear occasionally, 101:005,56[A ]| and at other times the darkness was so$5#1$ intense that$3$ I could 101:005,57[A ]| scarcely see my horse's head. This, however, I did not very much heed; 101:005,58[A ]| I knew that$3$ my raw-boned old mare knew every inch of the road, I had 101:005,59[A ]| received information that$6#1$ I could not very well mistake as to$4$ the discovery 101:005,60[A ]| of the shepherd's hut, and the peculiar business upon$4$ which$6#1$ I was engaged 101:005,61[A ]| rendered darkness more welcome than light to$4$ me. 101:005,62[A ]| I had proceeded in$4$ this way some three miles or so$5#2$, with slackened reins, 101:005,63[A ]| trusting to$4$ the instinct of the horse to$9$ find the way, when a shrill voice 101:005,64[A ]| hailed me with 101:005,64@b | "Arrah, your honour, will$1$ you be giving a puir lone woman 101:005,65@b | a lift as far as the Bell at Bundura, and it is many thanks she will$1$ offer you 101:005,66@b | for$4$ the trouble?" 101:005,67[A ]| Involuntarily I drew in$5$ my sorry nag at this sullen greeting, and as I 101:005,68[A ]| did so$5#2$, the moonlight suddenly glinted out from a rift in$4$ the leaden 101:005,69[A ]| clouds, and I beheld, standing close to$4$ the roadside, a gaunt and decrepid 101:005,70[A ]| looking hag of some seventy years of age, her clothes a mere bundle of 101:005,71[A ]| rags, and filthy looking in$4$ the extreme; whilst, from beneath a large mob 101:005,72[A ]| cap, which$6#1$ once doubtless had been white, but now retained little evidence 101:005,73[A ]| of the fact, a lock or two of straggling grey hair waved in$4$ the wind; in$4$ 101:005,74[A ]| short, for$3$ the appearance of this strange old woman resembled so$5#1$ closely one 101:005,75[A ]| of the wierd sisterhood in$4$ "Macbeth," that$3$ a more unattractive companion 101:005,76[A ]| for$4$ a lonely night's drive could hardly be imagined. 101:005,77@a | "What are you doing here at this time of night, my friend?" 101:005,77[A ]| I asked. 101:005,78@b | "Och, faith, your honour, you may well ask the question. Shure, and it is 101:005,79@b | the market I have been attinding at all day, and then I bided to$9$ tak a dish 101:005,80@b | of tay with a neighbour, and then night o'ertook us talking of old times." 101:005,81@a | "Why did you not stop at your friend's all night then, it would have 101:005,82@a | been wiser than tramping this lonely road at such an hour?" 101:005,83@b | "Ah? I should anger the old man, your worship, who$6#1$ is a*waiting up$5$ for$4$ 101:005,84@b | me at home, it is a pretty bit of a bateing I shall catch as it is," 101:005,84[A ]| she answered 101:005,85[A ]| in$4$ a shrill voice. 101:005,86[A ]| Not wishing to$9$ be delayed longer, and half believing her tale, I bid 101:005,87[A ]| the old woman jump up$5$, which$6#1$ she did with an alacrity not to$9$ be 101:005,88[A ]| expected at her years, and again the journey was resumed. For$4$ a mile 101:005,89[A ]| or so$5#2$ my companion was silent, while I was too much absorbed in$4$ my 101:005,01[A ]| own reflections to$9$ open a conversation. When, however, the two or 101:005,02[A ]| three wooden houses that$6#1$ then composed the village of Flemington were 101:005,03[A ]| passed, and the lights that$6#1$ had flashed from the windows of the little 101:005,04[A ]| inn, known as the "Half-way*House," had grown like$4$ tiny stars in$4$ our 101:005,05[A ]| rear, my strange companion again found her tongue, and gabbled away 101:005,06[A ]| with such garrulity that$3$ I began to$9$ grow doubtful whether she was insane, 101:005,07[A ]| or rather the worse for$4$ "a drop of the crather." She continued 101:005,08[A ]| thus for$4$ some miles, and I had begun to$9$ wish her at a region at least as 101:005,09[A ]| remote as Jericho, when the moon again shone forth with a sudden 101:005,10[A ]| radiance that$6#1$ for$4$ a moment quite dazzled my sight, and revealed the 101:005,11[A ]| long straight road for$4$ miles in$4$ front, with the dark woods on$4$ either side, 101:005,12[A ]| as clearly as if it were noonday. The ghastly white bark and sombre 101:005,13[A ]| foliage of the gum trees and other eucalypti glittered in$4$ the light, but 101:005,14[A ]| not a single thing of life was visible around. 101:005,15[A ]| It was at this moment, that$3$, glancing down to$9$ see that$3$ a small bag, 101:005,16[A ]| containing handcuffs and a few other little implements of my craft, had 101:005,17[A ]| not fallen out of the gig, I perceived a strange object sticking out of the 101:005,18[A ]| pocket of my companion. 101:005,18@a | Could it be? 101:005,18[A ]| I looked again. 101:005,18@a | Yes, it was ~~ 101:005,19@a | \the steel mounted butt of a pistol\ ~~ a genuine Colt's revolver! 101:005,19[A ]| I knew it 101:005,20[A ]| in$4$ an instant by$4$ the shape, and could scarcely refrain from giving a 101:005,21[A ]| whistle of surprise, but I did. I glanced at the face of the bearer, and 101:005,22[A ]| now in$4$ the clear moonlight I could perceive that$3$ the deep wrinkles in$4$ 101:005,23[A ]| the cheeks were skilfully put on$5$ with burnt cork, and that$3$ the straggling 101:005,24[A ]| locks of grey hair were the fascinations of a wig. 101:005,25[A ]| I was clearly in$4$ a trap; my own firearms were buttoned over in$4$ my 101:005,26[A ]| breast pocket; were I to$9$ drop either rein or whip, the suspicion of the 101:005,27[A ]| bushranger ~~ for$3$ I doubted not the profession of my companion, would 101:005,28[A ]| be roused, and ere I could draw my own weapon I should have a bullet 101:005,29[A ]| through my head. Although the gabbling conversation, in$4$ the cracked 101:005,30[A ]| tones of an old woman, was still kept up$5$, I saw that$3$ a careful survey 101:005,31[A ]| was being taken of the neighbourhood, and I knew that$3$ one hand 101:005,32[A ]| grasped the skirt pocket and the barrels of the pistol beneath the tattered 101:005,33[A ]| plaid shawl. 101:005,34[A ]| What strength can not accomplish, skill must ~~ is an old axiom of my 101:005,35[A ]| profession; so$3$, turning round, I exclaimed, 101:005,35@a | "I fear my horse has got a 101:005,36@a | stone in$4$ his shoe, mother, you will$1$ not be afraid to$9$ hold the reins a minute 101:005,37@a | whilst I jump down and see, will$1$ you?" 101:005,38[A ]| The careless and yet encouraging tones in$4$ which$6#1$ I spoke took my 101:005,39[A ]| companion off his guard; I drew up$5$ and handed him the whip and reins; 101:005,40[A ]| then rising as if to$9$ get out of the gig, I suddenly snatched the revolver 101:005,41[A ]| from his pocket, and levelled it at his head, exclaiming, 101:005,41@a | "You are my 101:005,42@a | prisoner; move hand or foot, and I blow your brains out." 101:005,43@b | "Faith, Mr%*Paaler, it is yourself has got the best of it, but you can not be 101:005,44@b | for$4$ arresting me, you have no$2$ ividence I meant to$9$ do wrang?" 101:005,45@a | "I will$1$ be responsible for$4$ my acts, my lad. Now, listen to$4$ me, obey me 101:005,46@a | word for$4$ word, and no$2$ dodges; my finger is on$4$ the trigger, remember." 101:005,47@b | "All right, your honour," 101:005,47[A ]| answered the villain, perfectly cowed. 101:005,48@a | "On$4$ the seat, you see a bag; drop the reins, the horse will$1$ not bolt; put 101:005,49@a | the whip in$4$ its holder. Good. Now then, the bag is unlocked, what 101:005,50@a | do you see in$4$ it?" 101:005,51@b | "Bracelets, your honour, and bad cess to$4$ them." 101:005,52@a | "Key in$4$ the lock?" 101:005,53@b | "Yes, your honour." 101:005,54@a | "Then, put them on$5$." 101:005,55[A ]| The man hesitated. 101:005,56@a | "Put them on$5$, or I fire." 101:005,57[A ]| This time the fellow obeyed. 101:005,58@a | "Now place your hands in$4$ such a position that$3$ I can lock the handcuffs 101:005,59@a | with my left hand." 101:005,60[A ]| This he also did. 101:005,61[A ]| Placing the muzzle of the revolver against his forehead, and never 101:005,62[A ]| taking my eye off his, for$3$ he looked mischievous, I locked his bracelets 101:005,63[A ]| with my left hand, and put the key in$4$ my waistcoat pocket; then taking 101:005,64[A ]| a piece of strong cord from the bag, I laid the pistol on$4$ the seat, and 101:005,65[A ]| strongly bound his arms and legs. 101:005,66@a | "Now, my dear old lady," 101:005,66[A ]| I said, as I concluded, 101:005,66@a | "next time you 101:005,67@a | frequent Paddy's market, do not get benighted on$4$ your way home. I will$1$ 101:005,68@a | save you this time from a bateing by$4$ the old man, but I may not be able 101:005,69@a | to$9$ do so$5#2$ always." 101:005,70@b | "Curse you, for$4$ a meddling fool," 101:005,70[A ]| was the answer, 101:005,70@b | "the game may be 101:005,71@b | in$4$ \my\ hands next time; if so$5#2$, my hearty, look out." 101:005,72[A ]| I made no$2$ reply to$4$ this, and was about to$9$ gather up$5$ the reins, for$3$ the 101:005,73[A ]| adventure had delayed me; I should be behind my time at the shepherd's 101:005,74[A ]| hut, when, frightened at a sheep, which$6#1$ suddenly shewed itself 101:005,75[A ]| in$4$ the brushwood, the horse swerved round, and, before I could check 101:005,76[A ]| him, had quitted the road, and was galloping at a rattling pace across 101:005,77[A ]| country. It was a fortunate thing that$3$ the trees were not very thick at 101:005,78[A ]| this spot, or the gig must have been dashed against one and the results 101:005,79[A ]| therefrom anything but agreeable. As it happened, however, the sward 101:005,80[A ]| was nearly as level as a bowling green, and the bark of the scattered 101:005,81[A ]| gum trees so$5#1$ white, that$3$ the frightened animal naturally avoided them: 101:005,82[A ]| and thus the only ill consequence resulting from the runaway was, that$3$ 101:005,83[A ]| by$4$ the time I had got the horse again in$4$ hand, we were far away from 101:005,84[A ]| the high road, with the probability of not finding it again. 101:005,85[A ]| This improbability was soon rendered an impossibility by$4$ the moon 101:005,86[A ]| becoming again obscured. The heavens grew one leaden shroud, each 101:005,87[A ]| moment the darkness became more intense. 101:005,88[A ]| It was now necessary to$9$ abandon the gig, for$3$ it was unsafe longer to$9$ 101:005,89[A ]| stick to$4$ that$6#2$ conveyance. I unbound my prisoner's arms, and made 101:006,01[A ]| him unharness the mare, whilst I covered him with my pistol ~~ an operation 101:006,02[A ]| which$6#1$ his chain handcuffs rendered troublesome, but not difficult. 101:006,03[A ]| I then rebound his arms, and unfastened his legs, and mounting the 101:006,04[A ]| horse in$4$ spite of my bad leg, turned its head I knew not whither, making 101:006,05[A ]| my captive march about a length before me, having first given him the 101:006,06[A ]| comforting assurance that$3$ if he stopped, or looked back, I would put a 101:006,07[A ]| bullet through his head. 101:006,08[A ]| After travelling for$4$ some two hours in$4$ this manner, I could not define 101:006,09[A ]| whether in$4$ a circle or a straight line, to$4$ my great joy I perceived a light 101:006,10[A ]| a little way ahead, and as we drew nearer, discovered that$3$ it shone from 101:006,11[A ]| the window of a long rambling wooden house. The deep growl of dogs 101:006,12[A ]| greeted our approach, and when, in$4$ obedience to$4$ my command, the bushranger 101:006,13[A ]| knocked heavily at the closed door, a voice within saluted us in$4$ 101:006,14[A ]| an angry tone with 101:006,14@c | "Pass on$5$ whoever you are, you get no$2$ rest here to-night. 101:006,15@c | They pay high who$6#1$ make this a resting-place. Begone!" 101:006,16[A ]| I felt annoyed at this uncourteous reception, and was about to$9$ ride up$5$ 101:006,17[A ]| to$4$ the door to$9$ hold a parley through the key-hole, when my companion 101:006,18[A ]| giving it a kick, exclaimed, in$4$ a voice quite free from the brogue, 101:006,18@b | "Come, 101:006,19@b | my good people, you will$1$ not have the heart to$9$ refuse the shelter of a roof 101:006,20@b | and a crust of bread to$4$ two poor travellers lost in$4$ the bush." 101:006,21[A ]| He had hardly spoken, when the door opened, and a rough voice answered, 101:006,22@c | "Well, I do not mind if I do, if that$6#2$ is the time of day, I thought 101:006,23@c | you was only loafers perhaps." 101:006,24[A ]| When, however, his eyes rested on$4$ the feminine apparel and handcuffed 101:006,25[A ]| wrists of the bushranger, he started in$4$ dismay, so$3$ to$9$ re-assure 101:006,26[A ]| him, I rode up$5$, and said, 101:006,26@a | "I am an officer of police, this is my prisoner, 101:006,27@a | we have lost our way in$4$ the darkness, and so$5#2$ can not reach Melbourne to-night; 101:006,28@a | but I do not want to$9$ impose on$4$ your hospitality, if you will$1$ give 101:006,29@a | us food and shelter, I will$1$ pay you well for$4$ both." 101:006,30[A ]| As I ceased speaking, the man gave us both a scrutinising glance, and 101:006,31[A ]| then said, 101:006,31@c | "Fairly spoken, Mr%*Policeman, I am an honest man myself, 101:006,32@c | and so$3$ I bids you welcome; drive that$6#2$ ragamuffin indoors while I take 101:006,33@c | your horse round to$4$ the stables." 101:006,34[A ]| I was not sorry to$9$ dismount, as my leg was becoming troublesome; 101:006,35[A ]| I resigned the animal to$4$ the master of the house, for$3$ he looked an honest 101:006,36[A ]| fellow, and the nag was not worth stealing; besides, I could not keep an 101:006,37[A ]| eye on$4$ it, and my captive, whom I now followed into the house. 101:006,38[A ]| The first object that$6#1$ caught my eye on$4$ entering the kitchen was an 101:006,39[A ]| American clock, its hands pointed to$4$ eleven. It was the hour appointed 101:006,40[A ]| for$4$ my nabbing "Dick*the*Devil" at the Shepherd's hut, and a sigh 101:006,41[A ]| escaped me as I thought of the thousand pound reward, and the way it 101:006,42[A ]| had slipped through my fingers. Regrets were however useless, the hut 101:006,43[A ]| might be miles away, and even the direction in$4$ which$6#1$ it lay I could not 101:006,44[A ]| as much as guess at. 101:006,44@a | "I have a bird in$4$ the hand, at least," 101:006,44[A ]| I thought. 101:006,44@a | "I will$1$ 101:006,45@a | keep an eye on$4$ the old woman." 101:006,46[A ]| My cogitations were put an end to$8$ by$4$ the return of our host, accompanied 101:006,47[A ]| by$4$ two young men of about twenty-five and twenty years of age 101:006,48[A ]| respectively, whom he introduced as his sons. They were both strongly 101:006,49[A ]| built young fellows, but would neither of them attain the almost Herculean 101:006,50[A ]| proportions of their father, who$6#1$ looked a perfect Samson in$4$ the ruddy 101:006,51[A ]| firelight, which$6#1$ now enabled me to$9$ view his countenance, and not 101:006,52[A ]| the aspect of the apartment. The man had my first attention. He 101:006,53[A ]| was attired in$4$ the ordinary costume of a shepherd or small farmer; he 101:006,54[A ]| might have been forty-five years of age, for$3$ his short black hair was 101:006,55[A ]| turning slightly grey, but certainly he was not more; he was upwards of 101:006,56[A ]| six feet in$4$ height, and broad chested and stoutly built in$4$ proportion; in$4$ 101:006,57[A ]| fact, his well set muscular figure shewed great strength; his face was 101:006,58[A ]| pleasing and open, save when in$4$ perfect repose; then only, a kind of half 101:006,59[A ]| sneer, half scowl rested on$4$ it, and seemed as though caused by$4$ some malformation 101:006,60[A ]| of nature rather than the result of habit. 101:006,61[A ]| The room was plainly furnished, as is usual in$4$ the bush. A roughly 101:006,62[A ]| hewn table, a chair, half a dozen three-legged stools, and the American 101:006,63[A ]| clock before referred to$8$, formed the greater portion of it. The fire consisted 101:006,64[A ]| of a few logs of wood kindled on$4$ the hearth, while two iron bars laid 101:006,65[A ]| across it, resting on$4$ a brick at each end, supported the tea-kettle and a 101:006,66[A ]| saucepan or two, from whence issued a savoury aroma strongly suggestive 101:006,67[A ]| to$4$ an empty stomach. The walls around were decked with an atrocious 101:006,68[A ]| print of "The*Babes*in*the*Wood," a rifle, fowling piece, double barrelled 101:006,69[A ]| gun, and a brace of old flint pistols. As you may imagine, the weapons 101:006,70[A ]| attracted my attention the more so$5#2$ as they were all save the pistols capped 101:006,71[A ]| and on$4$ half-cock. Still, in$4$ such a lonely situation, so$5#1$ far away from 101:006,72[A ]| another habitation, and the country around swarming with bushrangers, 101:006,73[A ]| escaped convicts, and rascals of every description, there were but very 101:006,74[A ]| slight grounds for$4$ suspicion in$4$ all this. 101:006,75@c | "Come, lads, let us have some tea. I have fed and watered your nag, sir, 101:006,76@c | and now we must attend on$4$ you; but you are not going to$9$ let that$6#2$ thief of 101:006,77@c | the world sit at table with us. I have a cellar below will$1$ suit him better," 101:006,78[A ]| said the farmer contemptuously, as he glanced towards my strangely 101:006,79[A ]| attired prisoner, who$6#1$ returned the favour with a fierce scowl. 101:006,80[A ]| I readily availed myself of this offer, and found the cellar a secure 101:006,81[A ]| place; that$3$ it was both damp and dark was not my fault. I unbound the 101:006,82[A ]| prisoner, still, however, keeping the bracelets on$5$, and pushed him in$5$. Our 101:006,83[A ]| host threw him some straw, and giving him some bread and beef we left 101:006,84[A ]| him to$4$ his own reflections. 101:006,85[A ]| We now turned our undivided attention to$4$ the supper, which$6#1$, though 101:006,86[A ]| perhaps wanting in$4$ quality, was ample as to$4$ quantity. A boiled leg of 101:006,87[A ]| mutton was dished out of one saucepan, a huge mess of potatoes from 101:006,88[A ]| another; the damper was taken from the hearth, and an immense jug of 101:006,89[A ]| ale with a black bottle of whiskey, put on$4$ the table. 101:006,01[A ]| Rendered hungry by$4$ my long drive, I did justice to$4$ the substantial 101:006,02[A ]| viands before me, and over a glass of grog listened to$4$ the worthy shepherd's 101:006,03[A ]| account of the death of his wife from typhus fever, of the marriage of his 101:006,04[A ]| only daughter with a rural policeman; of the murrain in$4$ the cattle, and 101:006,05[A ]| the rot in$4$ his sheep; of the last great bush fire, and other like$2$ matters, 101:006,06[A ]| until at last, getting drowsy, I proposed to$9$ go to$4$ bed. 101:006,07[A ]| It was time I did so$5#2$, the fire had long since gone out, the clock pointed 101:006,08[A ]| to$4$ two in$4$ the morning, and, as I rose to$9$ depart, the remains of the candle 101:006,09[A ]| sunk in$4$ its iron socket, and left us in$4$ darkness. 101:006,10@c | "Here is a pretty go," 101:006,10[A ]| said the shepherd, after a fruitless rummage in$4$ 101:006,11[A ]| every nook and corner of the room, 101:006,11@c | "We have not another scrap of candle 101:006,12@c | were it to$9$ light us to$9$ pick up$5$ nuggets, you must go to$4$ bed in$4$ the dark." 101:006,13@a | "Heed not that$6#2$, my man," 101:006,13[A ]| said I, 101:006,13@a | "the moon shines brightly, lead the way." 101:006,14@c | "Will$1$ you not leave your great-coat and arms here," 101:006,14[A ]| suggested the host. 101:006,15@a | "No$7$, my friend, my pistols and I never part company;" 101:006,15[A ]| I answered with 101:006,16[A ]| a laugh, and, wishing the young men good night, followed their father to$4$ 101:006,17[A ]| my room. 101:006,18[A ]| This was, however, no$2$ easy matter. I had to$9$ grope my way after him 101:006,19[A ]| along a dark passage, at the end of which$6#1$ he ushered me into an apartment 101:006,20[A ]| where there was no$2$ other light than that$6#2$ given by$4$ the moon, which$6#1$ 101:006,21[A ]| shone through a small window glazed with little panes of coarse glass. 101:006,22[A ]| Here he bade me good night, and, with apologies for$4$ the poor accommodation, 101:006,23[A ]| left me. 101:006,24[A ]| The apartment was small. In$4$ one corner stood a bed of that$6#2$ shape 101:006,25[A ]| commonly called in$4$ the colonies ~~ a stretcher; this, with a coarse basin 101:006,26[A ]| stand, a broken chair, and a ship looking glass, made up$5$ the furniture. 101:006,27[A ]| Like$4$ an old traveller, I turned to$9$ secure the door; without bolt or lock, 101:006,28[A ]| it had only a small thumb latch. 101:006,29[A ]| Dismounting the wash ware, I piled the stand, together with the chair, 101:006,30[A ]| against the door, in$4$ such a manner that$3$ no*one could enter without making 101:006,31[A ]| a noise sufficient to$9$ wake me. To$9$ make all sure, I felt in$4$ my pocket to$9$ 101:006,32[A ]| see that$3$ the key of the cellar wherein I had confined my prisoner was 101:006,33[A ]| there. It was all right. I then examined the charges in$4$ mine and the 101:006,34[A ]| bushranger's revolvers, and placing both under my pillow, without undressing, 101:006,35[A ]| threw myself on$4$ the bed, and weary and worn out by$4$ my night's 101:006,36[A ]| adventures, prepared to$9$ sleep. 101:006,37[A ]| For$4$ a time a species of nervous wakefulness possessed me; the moaning 101:006,38[A ]| of the passing wind, the flapping of a loose board on$4$ the roof above, the 101:006,39[A ]| fitful shadows of a gigantic gum tree thrown by$4$ the moonlight on$4$ the 101:006,40[A ]| damp and discoloured walls, and above all the deep bay of dogs in$4$ the 101:006,41[A ]| yard beneath my window baffled my every endeavour to$9$ slumber; and, 101:006,42[A ]| when at length I was about to$9$ drop off, a whispering of human voices in$4$ 101:006,43[A ]| the next roomm again put me on$4$ the \9qui 9vive\. I could not help fancying 101:006,44[A ]| that$3$ I was the subject of their conversation, and I could swear that$3$ I heard 101:006,45[A ]| the voice of the prisoner joining in$4$ the discussion. Creeping from my bed 101:006,46[A ]| I put my ear to$4$ the wall, and thanks to$4$ the loose jointing in$4$ the boards, 101:006,47[A ]| could hear what was spoken. 101:006,48[A ]| The villains, of whom the bushranger seemed the leader, were coolly 101:006,49[A ]| discussing a method for$4$ my \murder\ ~~ I was to$9$ be shot in$4$ my bed. 101:006,50[A ]| The moment I discovered these amiable intentions, I rose to$4$ my feet, 101:006,51[A ]| and reflected. I had my revolvers, there were twelve lives in$4$ the barrels, 101:006,52[A ]| that$6#2$ was, if neither of the barrels missed a life; but might not these 101:006,53[A ]| assassins have revolvers also? At all events, they were four to$4$ one, and 101:006,54[A ]| the master of the hut a perfect Hercules of strength. 101:006,55[A ]| My mind was made up$5$ ~~ I would run. 101:006,56[A ]| Then rose the reflection ~~ how? 101:006,57[A ]| The rascals were traversing the passage, my feeble barricade would not 101:006,58[A ]| stay them a minute. I gave a glance around the room. I espied a rope 101:006,59[A ]| in$4$ one corner ~~ a long rope. It suggested an idea; I secured one end of 101:006,60[A ]| it to$4$ a strong iron ring that$6#1$ happened providentially to$9$ be in$4$ the wall, then 101:006,61[A ]| I noiselessly opened the casement, and dropped the other end out through 101:006,62[A ]| the window, following it myself, but I had no$2$ intention to$9$ descend yet. 101:006,63[A ]| My foot found rest on$4$ one of the projecting logs of which$6#1$ the house was 101:006,64[A ]| built; my left hand grasped the window sill above which$6#1$ half my head 101:006,65[A ]| and the six barrels of my revolver were alone visible. I had yet to$9$ bid 101:006,66[A ]| my hospitable entertainers farewell. 101:006,67[A ]| I had not to$9$ wait long. The moonlight presently shewed me the handle 101:006,68[A ]| of the opposite door turn, the door itself open half an inch. I waited no$2$ 101:006,69[A ]| longer; bang, bang, bang, went three barrels of my revolver, and exclaiming 101:006,70@a | "Good*bye, my dear friends, pray do not forget me," 101:006,70[A ]| I began descending 101:006,71[A ]| my rope. 101:006,72[A ]| A shriek of pain and hoarse curses, from above told me that$3$ I had not 101:006,73[A ]| thrown away my powder. I congratulated myself on$4$ an escape; when, 101:006,74[A ]| turning to$9$ look below, I saw the red fiery eyes of an immense dog glaring 101:006,75[A ]| up$5$ at me; his deep muzzle, broad chest, and greyish white coat of wiry 101:006,76[A ]| hair, shewed him to$9$ be a blood-hound, and with a thrill of horror I saw 101:006,77[A ]| that$3$ I must drop right at his feet. 101:006,78[A ]| I levelled my pistol at him, and tried to$9$ steady myself on$4$ the rope to$9$ 101:006,79[A ]| take aim. My first shot missed him, the second gave him only a slight 101:006,80[A ]| wound that$6#1$ rendered him far more dangerous, when I felt the rope give 101:006,81[A ]| way; it had been cut above, and I fell some five or six feet almost into his 101:006,82[A ]| very jaws. 101:006,83[A ]| I beheld the fierce brute about to$9$ spring on$4$ me; at the same moment a 101:006,84[A ]| clattering volley rang out from above, and I heard half a dozen bullets hiss 101:006,85[A ]| by$4$ my head, and bury themselves with a dull thud in$4$ the earth. Though 101:006,86[A ]| little intended for$4$ the purpose, that$6#2$ volley saved my life; every ball 101:006,87[A ]| missed me, but one passed through the head of the bloodhound, who$6#1$ was 101:006,88[A ]| now lying dead across my body. It was a providential escape, but I was 101:006,89[A ]| not yet out of the wood, and there was no$2$ time to$9$ lose. I could hear the 101:007,01[A ]| muttered curses of disappointment and the ramming of new charges home, 101:007,02[A ]| as those above saw me move. Throwing off the dead brute, whose weight 101:007,03[A ]| nearly stifled me, I fired the last barrel of my revolver at the window, and 101:007,04[A ]| with satisfaction saw the big shepherd clap his hand to$4$ his face, which$6#1$, in$4$ 101:007,05[A ]| an instant became covered with blood; then, springing to$4$ my feet, I ran 101:007,06[A ]| for$4$ my life, I knew not whither! 101:007,07[A ]| Immediately, however, I was checked by$4$ a high fence. At any other 101:007,08[A ]| time I should have found this an obstacle difficult to$9$ surmount, but now a 101:007,09[A ]| love of life gave me strength and expertness, even my sore leg was unfelt, 101:007,10[A ]| and in$4$ a minute I was at the summit. The sharp crack of a rifle rang out 101:007,11[A ]| on$4$ the still night air; I saw my wide-awake fly from my head, and felt a 101:007,12[A ]| scrape like$4$ that$6#2$ of a blunt razor across my scalp, but I did not stay to$9$ 101:007,13[A ]| ponder on$4$ that$6#2$. Springing down on$4$ the off side, I again took to$4$ my heels, 101:007,14[A ]| loading my revolver as I went, and ramming a bullet home in$4$ each barrel. 101:007,15[A ]| In$4$ about five minutes' time I stopped to$9$ regain my breath, and from 101:007,16[A ]| behind a gum tree looked back at the log house. 101:007,17[A ]| It lay a little more than a quarter of a mile distant, clearly visible in$4$ 101:007,18[A ]| the bright light of the moon, which$6#1$ now shone down from an unclouded 101:007,19[A ]| heaven. The night was so$5#1$ still that$3$ even the spring of the grasshopper 101:007,20[A ]| could be heard, and I listened with breathless anxiety for$4$ the sounds of 101:007,21[A ]| pursuit. 101:007,22[A ]| Presently, the deep fierce bay of dogs smote on$4$ my ear, mingled with 101:007,23[A ]| shoutings and laughter. I saw three figures and two powerful hounds 101:007,24[A ]| emerge from the shadow of the fence. They were urging the dogs on$4$ the 101:007,25[A ]| trail. 101:007,26[A ]| I again commenced my flight. 101:007,27[A ]| I had not, however, run many yards, when I caught my foot in$4$ a hole, 101:007,28[A ]| and was brought to$5$ with a sprained ankle. 101:007,29[A ]| I ground my teeth in$4$ despair. I glanced around, the dogs were only a 101:007,30[A ]| hundred yards or so$5#2$ in$4$ my rear running neck and neck, their great tongues 101:007,31[A ]| lolling out of their mouths, thus displaying their formidable fangs, their 101:007,32[A ]| eyes flashing fire, too eager for$4$ my blood even to$9$ give tongue. 101:007,33[A ]| I looked wistfully around; a ray of hope dawned upon$4$ my soul, a yard 101:007,34[A ]| from me stood a tall gum tree more bushy and thick with foliage than its 101:007,35[A ]| neighbours. 101:007,36[A ]| With great difficulty I clambered up$4$ its trunk, got amongst its densest 101:007,37[A ]| fronds, and with my two revolvers before me prepared to$9$ sell my life as 101:007,38[A ]| dearly as possible. 101:007,39[A ]| I knew they must come within my range to$9$ see me; they could not use 101:007,40[A ]| their rifle now, save at hap*hazard; while from the dogs I was quite safe. 101:007,41[A ]| Those brutes were now howling with baffled rage at the foot of the tree. 101:007,42[A ]| I did not notice them, my powder was for$4$ their masters. 101:007,43[A ]| Presently they drew near; not advancing boldly, for$3$ they knew I was 101:007,44[A ]| armed, but dodging from tree to$4$ tree. I recognised the shepherd with his 101:007,45[A ]| head tied up$5$ in$4$ a blood-stained bandage; the bushranger (now attired in$4$ 101:007,46[A ]| male apparel), and one of the sons. The other I supposed I had shot, 101:007,47[A ]| which$6#1$ was in$4$ fact the case. 101:007,48[A ]| At last the villains opened fire, but thanks to$4$ the sheltering foliage of 101:007,49[A ]| my tree, the balls flew by$4$ me harmlessly. 101:007,50[A ]| I returned the compliment whenever a head shewed itself from behind a 101:007,51[A ]| trunk, but for$4$ some time with equal ill success. 101:007,52[A ]| At length a bullet from the bushranger passed through my leg, and half 101:007,53[A ]| mad with rage and pain, I resolved to$9$ repay the shot with interest. 101:007,54[A ]| I had not to$9$ wait long for$4$ a chance; he incautiously exposed his side 101:007,55[A ]| whilst re-loading, and I marked him with his own revolver, and fired. 101:007,56[A ]| I saw him clap his left hand to$4$ his side, and blood spout out from between 101:007,57[A ]| his fingers. He then quitted his tree, and fearlessly walked up$5$ to$4$ 101:007,58[A ]| the very trunk of the one in$4$ which$6#1$ I was concealed. His eyes met mine; 101:007,59[A ]| I fired two shots at him, and missed, the next instant his barrel covered 101:007,60[A ]| me. 101:007,61@b | "Curse you," 101:007,61[A ]| he muttered, 101:007,61@b | "that$6#2$ shot of yours has won you a thousand 101:007,62@b | pounds. I am ""Dick*the*Devil,"" but you shall not live to$9$ touch the money." 101:007,63[A ]| His finger was on$4$ the trigger, but ere he could pull it, his brain reeled, 101:007,64[A ]| death's hand was upon$4$ him, he fell at my feet a corpse. 101:007,65[A ]| The same moment a rattling volley echoed around me. I saw the shepherd 101:007,66[A ]| and his son running for$4$ their lives, pursued by$4$ two of the Melbourne 101:007,67[A ]| mounted police. 101:007,68[A ]| The fellows were captured; tried, condemned, and hung. I pocketed the 101:007,69[A ]| thousand pounds, less some couple of hundred with which$6#1$ I rewarded my 101:007,70[A ]| brave preservers. Thus ended my first adventure with the bushrangers of 101:007,71[A ]| Victoria. 102:016,00@@@@@| 102:016,00[' ]| 102:016,01@z | "Old Jimmy*Brooke and his troopers so$5#1$ tall 102:016,02@z | Would have empty stomachs if it were not for$4$ the wall." 102:016,03[A ]| Such was a common chorus of the street boys of Melbourne 102:016,04[A ]| in$4$ the year of grace 1852, and it became as highly popular as 102:016,05[A ]| did the kind inquiry, 102:016,05@x | "How is your poor feet?" 102:016,05[A ]| in$4$ the good 102:016,06[A ]| city of London some ten years later. 102:016,07[A ]| Now old Jimmy*Brooke was myself, the troopers so$5#1$ tall 102:016,08[A ]| were my subordinates, of whom twelve months after my 102:016,09[A ]| arrival in$4$ the colony I had a goodly company of twenty, all 102:016,10[A ]| stout, strongly built fellows of some six feet in$4$ height, well 102:016,11[A ]| mounted, and each armed with a brace of revolvers and a 102:016,12[A ]| cavalry sabre: but my readers will$1$ be naturally curious to$9$ 102:016,13[A ]| know what the empty stomachs and the wall are about. 102:016,14[A ]| Well, then, the meaning was this. In$4$ those days it was the 102:016,15[A ]| custom to$9$ affix all notices offering rewards for$4$ the capture of 102:016,16[A ]| criminals and escaped prisoners on$4$ the outer walls of the city 102:016,17[A ]| gaol: and there we members of the detective force used 102:016,18[A ]| daily, and often two or three times a day, to$9$ resort, to$9$ peruse 102:016,19[A ]| the little square bills, and see if there was anything new. 102:016,20[A ]| Our regular pay was small, ~~ in$4$ fact, despicably so$5#2$; but then 102:016,21[A ]| we could generally feather our nests well with blood-money, 102:016,22[A ]| and such chances arose almost daily. 102:016,23[A ]| We used facetiously to$9$ term these placards "The*Police*Gazette," 102:016,24[A ]| and when beneath the royal arms and the V%*R% 102:016,25[A ]| L100 or upwards figured in$4$ thick black type as the reward 102:016,26[A ]| for$4$ a capture, no$2$ little excitement pervaded our barracks, and 102:016,27[A ]| bets were made, and odds given and taken, as to$4$ who$6#1$ would 102:016,28[A ]| be the winner. 102:017,01[A ]| On$4$ such occasions I seldom troubled myself to$9$ give instructions 102:017,02[A ]| to$4$ my subordinates, individual interest always 102:017,03[A ]| sharpened their faculties, and each would secretly plot a 102:017,04[A ]| plan for$4$ capture, and carry it out on$4$ his own hook, jealous 102:017,05[A ]| of having to$9$ go shares with a comrade. You may imagine 102:017,06[A ]| that$3$ over such a pack of man-hounds I had to$9$ keep a 102:017,07[A ]| pretty tight hand, but I soon found one kind of punishment 102:017,08[A ]| in$4$ all cases sufficient, and that$6#2$ was to$9$ restrict the offender 102:017,09[A ]| for$4$ a time from tracking the high rewards, and to$9$ force him 102:017,10[A ]| to$9$ look after those offenders for$4$ whom only ten or even 102:017,11[A ]| twenty pounds were offered. This plan answered a double 102:017,12[A ]| purpose, for$3$, save as a punishment, my fellows would never 102:017,13[A ]| have looked after this latter class at all; and had a five or 102:017,14[A ]| ten pound prize fallen into their hands, they would most 102:017,15[A ]| probably have let him go, hoping that$3$ temptation would 102:017,16[A ]| before long drive him to$9$ commit a worse crime, and elicit a 102:017,17[A ]| higher value on$4$ his head. 102:017,17@x | "Why be content with an egg, 102:017,18@x | when it will$1$ become a fowl?" 102:017,18[A ]| was their motto. 102:017,19[A ]| This feeling I had a great difficulty in$4$ overcoming, but at 102:017,20[A ]| length I did so$5#2$ by$4$ decreeing that$3$ every trooper who$6#1$ did not 102:017,21[A ]| produce a small offender once a week should be restricted 102:017,22[A ]| from following any higher game for$4$ the succeeding month. 102:017,23[A ]| This had the desired effect. And now for$4$ my narrative. 102:017,24[A ]| It was a bright summer's morning in$4$ the September of 102:017,25[A ]| 1852 that$3$ I strolled down Russell*Street, and took a glance 102:017,26[A ]| at the prison walls for$4$ any new placards that$6#1$ might have 102:017,27[A ]| been posted since the preceding evening. My attention was 102:017,28[A ]| almost immediately attracted by$4$ one that$6#1$ ran as follows: ~~ 102:017,29@x | "V%*R% 102:017,30@x | ONE HUNDRED POUNDS REWARD. 102:017,31@x | Whereas a prisoner named Rolf*Schweig escaped last night 102:017,32@x | from the city gaol, and killed a turnkey who$6#1$ endeavoured to$9$ 102:017,33@x | stay him: the above reward is offered for$4$ his recapture, 102:017,34@x | alive or dead. Description: height, five feet eleven inches; 102:017,35@x | face pale, hair sandy and curly; nose aquiline, a pimple on$4$ 102:017,36@x | left side of same; ears small, and bored for$4$ earrings; teeth 102:017,37@x | irregular; body stout, broad-chested, and muscular; hands 102:017,38@x | small, and middle finger of left hand cut off at second joint; 102:017,39@x | age forty-five; speaks with a slightly foreign accent." 102:018,01[A ]| The description was clear enough. 102:018,01@a | "There is no$2$ mistaking 102:018,02@a | the fellow if I once clap eyes on$4$ him," 102:018,02[A ]| I thought to$4$ myself. 102:018,03[A ]| Then arose the natural query, 102:018,03@a | "Where was he going 102:018,04@a | to$4$?" 102:018,05[A ]| While I walked up$5$ and down, buried in$4$ deep thought, I 102:018,06[A ]| saw two or three of my fellows come down from the direction 102:018,07[A ]| of Latrobe*Street, and after hastily looking over the 102:018,08[A ]| new placards, walk away rapidly towards the barracks. At 102:018,09[A ]| half a glance I knew the conclusion they had arrived at, 102:018,10[A ]| which$6#1$ was that$3$ the fugitive had taken to$4$ the bush. In$4$ half 102:018,11[A ]| an hour they would be in$4$ the saddle and in$4$ pursuit. 102:018,12[A ]| This was certainly the most probable course that$3$ an 102:018,13[A ]| escaped prisoner would adopt, and yet something seemed to$9$ 102:018,14[A ]| whisper to$4$ me that$3$ they were on$4$ the wrong scent. 102:018,15[A ]| Before I decided upon$4$ a course, I determined to$9$ gain fuller 102:018,16[A ]| information regarding the man and the manner of his escape, 102:018,17[A ]| and with such intention I gained admittance within the 102:018,18[A ]| walls, and asked to$9$ see the governor and the chaplain. 102:018,19[A ]| I did not, however, elicit much information from them. 102:018,20[A ]| The prisoner had made his escape the evening before by$4$ 102:018,21[A ]| stabbing the turnkey who$6#1$ brought him his supper, robbing 102:018,22[A ]| him of his keys, and by$4$ their means gaining the yard, where 102:018,23[A ]| he succeeded in$4$ scaling the wall, and, escaping two shots 102:018,24[A ]| fired after him, was observed to$9$ run up$4$ Latrobe*Street in$4$ the 102:018,25[A ]| direction of the new Carlton*Gardens. 102:018,26[A ]| Two or three incidents struck me as peculiar in$4$ this 102:018,27[A ]| matter. Firstly, the turnkey was not only killed, but his 102:018,28[A ]| body was covered with stabs in$4$ every part, and the throat 102:018,29[A ]| was cut as well. 102:018,29@a | Private vengeance has been at work here, 102:018,30[A ]| thought I, 102:018,30@a | and the prisoner delayed his escape to$9$ have a full 102:018,31@a | surfeit. 102:018,31[A ]| The poor man had been slain with his own pocket-knife, 102:018,32[A ]| which$6#1$ I took possession of, as it might be useful to$4$ 102:018,33[A ]| me. I learnt that$3$ he was a German, and could speak very 102:018,34[A ]| little English. Prisoner and he had always appeared on$4$ very 102:018,35[A ]| good terms. The second thing I noticed was that$3$ the 102:018,36[A ]| prisoner must have had assistance in$4$ his escape, for$3$ a broken 102:018,37[A ]| rope hung from the outside of the wall, and there were 102:018,38[A ]| scratches from boots ascending the wall, which$6#1$ would not 102:018,39[A ]| have been caused by$4$ a man slipping down a rope. I inquired 102:018,40[A ]| as to$4$ the manners and habits of the prisoner, and the 102:019,01[A ]| crime for$4$ which$6#1$ he had been confined. I learnt, to$4$ my surprise, 102:019,02[A ]| that$3$ his habits were reserved, quiet, and gentlemanly; 102:019,03[A ]| his temperament even, but slightly inclined to$4$ melancholy; 102:019,04[A ]| that$3$ he was a Protestant, and a great favourite of the chaplain, 102:019,05[A ]| as he seemed very devout in$4$ his religious duties; and 102:019,06[A ]| that$3$ he had been convicted of stabbing a German waiter in$4$ 102:019,07[A ]| an hotel at Geelong, apparently without any provocation 102:019,08[A ]| whatever. As the wound had been a slight one, though 102:019,09[A ]| within an inch of the heart, the charge had been only "for$4$ 102:019,10[A ]| wounding with intent," and the sentence three years' imprisonment, 102:019,11[A ]| which$6#1$ term, with the exception of three months 102:019,12[A ]| had elapsed at the time of his escape. 102:019,13[A ]| The only other point told me worthy of note was that$3$ the 102:019,14[A ]| prisoner always seemed strangely affected by$4$ the singing of 102:019,15[A ]| the Evening*Hymn in$4$ chapel, and would generally either 102:019,16[A ]| tremble, shed tears, or exhibit some other signs of strong 102:019,17[A ]| mental excitement during its performance. 102:019,18[A ]| There was very little to$9$ guide me in$4$ all this; in$4$ fact, it 102:019,19[A ]| more confused my pre-arranged thoughts than otherwise, and 102:019,20[A ]| on$4$ my way back to$4$ the barracks I kept asking myself the 102:019,21[A ]| questions, 102:019,21@a | "What made the fellow so$5#1$ terribly mutilate the 102:019,22@a | turnkey? What made him take such fearful measures to$9$ 102:019,23@a | escape, when in$4$ three months more he would have been 102:019,24@a | released at the expiration of his sentence? How is it in$4$ 102:019,25@a | both cases his victims were Germans? And why has the 102:019,26@a | Evening*Hymn such a strange effect on$4$ a man who$6#1$ appears 102:019,27@a | lost to$4$ every other gentle emotion" 102:019,28[A ]| In$4$ vain I strove to$9$ fathom the matter; the only conclusion 102:019,29[A ]| that$6#1$ I could arrive at was either that$3$ the man was 102:019,30[A ]| insane, or that$3$ there was some great mystery in$4$ the affair, 102:019,31[A ]| which$6#1$ the amputated finger on$4$ the left hand might perchance 102:019,32[A ]| afford a clue to$4$. On$4$ my arrival at the barracks I learnt that$3$ 102:019,33[A ]| five of the force were already in$4$ pursuit of the runaway. 102:019,34[A ]| They had gone to$9$ seek him in$4$ the bush. 102:019,35[A ]| I took another view of the case, and without being able to$9$ 102:019,36[A ]| assign any reasons for$4$ my suspicions, I felt sure that$3$ the 102:019,37[A ]| fugitive would either lie in$4$ concealment somewhere in$4$ the 102:019,38[A ]| city until the \9furore\ occasioned by$4$ his escape was over, or 102:019,39[A ]| else secrete himself on$4$ board some vessel in$4$ the harbour, 102:019,40[A ]| with the hope of escaping from the colony. 102:020,01[A ]| I lost no$2$ time in$4$ commencing the search. In$4$ half an hour 102:020,02[A ]| I had a dozen private agents ~~ men in$4$ whom I could trust ~~ 102:020,03[A ]| trying to$9$ hit off the scent through the city, whilst I and 102:020,04[A ]| two or three more started for$4$ Sandridge, to$9$ search the 102:020,05[A ]| shipping at the piers and in$4$ the bay. 102:020,06[A ]| While my men were scattered about on$4$ board the different 102:020,07[A ]| vessels, I wandered down one of the flights of water-steps to$9$ 102:020,08[A ]| question the boatmen, and as I was systematically pumping a 102:020,09[A ]| weather-beaten old tar, I beheld a strange object lying amid 102:020,10[A ]| the dark green sea-moss that$6#1$ coated the sides of the lower 102:020,11[A ]| steps. I took it up$5$, and a thrill of horror ran through my 102:020,12[A ]| frame as I discovered it to$9$ be a human finger covered with 102:020,13[A ]| clotted gore. I could see at half a glance it was the forefinger 102:020,14[A ]| of a man's left hand, and it had been cut off with a 102:020,15[A ]| knife! I tried to$9$ track the drops of blood up$4$ the steps, but 102:020,16[A ]| there were none save on$4$ the one where the finger had lain. 102:020,17[A ]| I questioned every boatman; they had neither of them had 102:020,18[A ]| a passenger, nor seen a man answering the description of the 102:020,19[A ]| runaway. I could tell by$4$ their answers that$3$ they spoke the 102:020,20[A ]| truth. 102:020,21[A ]| To$9$ make a long story short, I spent the whole day at 102:020,22[A ]| Sandridge and on$4$ the bay. Every ship I boarded and 102:020,23[A ]| closely searched. I sent trusty agents in$4$ the swiftest boats I 102:020,24[A ]| could find to$9$ do the same with every vessel at Geelong and 102:020,25[A ]| inside the Heads. I made inquiries, and found that$3$ no$2$ 102:020,26[A ]| vessel had left the harbour since the hour of the prisoner's 102:020,27[A ]| escape the preceding night; but when I returned to$4$ Melbourne 102:020,28[A ]| in$4$ the evening, tired and weary with the day's labour, 102:020,29[A ]| I had no$2$ more clue as to$4$ the whereabouts of the fugitive 102:020,30[A ]| than when I set out in$4$ the morning. 102:020,31[A ]| My spies, who$6#1$ had been hunting about the city, came in$5$, 102:020,32[A ]| one by$4$ one, to$9$ give their reports. They were equally 102:020,33[A ]| unsuccessful. 102:020,34[A ]| The police who$6#1$ had been to$4$ the bush did not return. 102:020,35[A ]| Were they, after all, right in$4$ their conclusions? 102:020,36[A ]| Days and weeks passed away, however, after this; and in$4$ 102:020,37[A ]| spite of our utmost endeavours, which$6#1$ were further stimulated 102:020,38[A ]| by$4$ a doubling of the reward, not the slightest clue 102:020,39[A ]| could be discovered of the murderer. Had he been in$4$ the 102:020,40[A ]| colony, we must have had him, for$3$ our vigilance never slept. 102:021,01[A ]| He was evidently gone far away, but how and where, none 102:021,02[A ]| could tell. 102:021,03[A ]| I often gave a discontented glance at the finger picked up$5$ 102:021,04[A ]| at Sandridge*Pier, which$6#1$ was now preserved in$4$ spirits of 102:021,05[A ]| wine, and I felt sure belonged to$4$ the fellow I wanted; and 102:021,06[A ]| yet there were very slight reasons for$4$ such a suspicion: it 102:021,07[A ]| was a finger that$6#1$ anybody might have owned ~~ merely the 102:021,08[A ]| forefinger of a man's left hand. Still three things were 102:021,09[A ]| evident from its inspection, namely, that$3$ its owner had not 102:021,10[A ]| lately done any manual work; that$3$ he had either not had the 102:021,11[A ]| opportunity, or else had neglected to$9$ cut his nails, and a bit of mortar 102:021,12[A ]| between the nails, that$3$ he had been clambering a wall or 102:021,13[A ]| something of the sort. 102:021,14[A ]| I recollected also that$3$ the police report stated the middle 102:021,15[A ]| finger of prisoner's left hand was missing, and I made up$5$ 102:021,16[A ]| my mind, when I did fall in$5$ with my worthy friend, I 102:021,17[A ]| should find his fore one gone also; though how he lost it, 102:021,18[A ]| and by$4$ what fatality, I never expected to$9$ discover. 102:021,19[A ]| ~~ ~~ ~~ 102:021,20[A ]| We must now pass over a period of several months, and 102:021,21[A ]| change the scene to$4$ Sydney. 102:021,22[A ]| I had been sent to$4$ that$6#2$ city on$4$ some official business 102:021,23[A ]| relative to$4$ forged notes on$4$ one of the banks there, which$6#1$ 102:021,24[A ]| necessitated my being absent from Melbourne for$4$ a lengthened 102:021,25[A ]| time. During my stay I became acquainted with a gentlemanly 102:021,26[A ]| Frenchman, who$6#1$ was living at the same hotel, and 102:021,27[A ]| whose name was Jacques*Loval. 102:021,28[A ]| He was a good-looking, frank fellow, to$4$ whom one would 102:021,29[A ]| naturally take a liking. He was very nearly six feet in$4$ 102:021,30[A ]| height, somewhat delicate-looking, with aquiline features, 102:021,31[A ]| jet-black curly hair, and well-pointed moustache; true, his 102:021,32[A ]| teeth were not of the most regular species, and a pimple on$4$ 102:021,33[A ]| the nose detracted from the appearance of what would otherwise 102:021,34[A ]| have been a very handsome face; his figure was stout 102:021,35[A ]| and muscular, but his left arm he carried in$4$ a sling, having, 102:021,36[A ]| according to$4$ his own account, broken it in$4$ falling over some 102:021,37[A ]| rocks at Manly*Beach, about three weeks prior to$4$ my arrival. 102:021,38[A ]| We soon became fast friends, or rather, I should say, 102:021,39[A ]| companions, for$3$ my duties gave me ample leisure; and the 102:022,01[A ]| Frenchman being an artist, with very little business, I found 102:022,02[A ]| him ever ready for$4$ a walk, boating excursions, or billiards. 102:022,03[A ]| It was a fortnight after my arrival in$4$ Sydney, that$3$ Loval 102:022,04[A ]| and I took a boat, with the intention of sailing as far as the 102:022,05[A ]| Heads. 102:022,06[A ]| The weather was superb in$4$ early autumn, the month being 102:022,07[A ]| March, and as we glided swiftly down the harbour, I fancied 102:022,08[A ]| that$3$ never had I beheld so$5#1$ glorious and fairy-like a scene as 102:022,09[A ]| that$6#2$ which$6#1$ surrounded us. 102:022,10[A ]| On$4$ our right, the spires and domes of Sydney and 102:022,11[A ]| Wooloomooloo, the dark green foliage of the trees in$4$ the 102:022,12[A ]| Botanic*Gardens, which$6#1$ seemed to$9$ throw out in$4$ clear relief 102:022,13[A ]| the tapering spars, yards, and taut rigging of the stately 102:022,14[A ]| guard-ship that$6#1$ lay close inshore, her long snake-like 102:022,15[A ]| pennant slowly curling and twisting in$4$ the breeze, and the 102:022,16[A ]| spirit stirring strains of her magnificent band (for$3$ it was the 102:022,17[A ]| officers' mess-hour) borne melodious to$4$ our ears over the 102:022,18[A ]| glassy bosom of the water, in$4$ which$6#1$ her colossal form was 102:022,19[A ]| reflected as in$4$ a mirror. Close on$4$ her right frowned the 102:022,20[A ]| guns of Macquarie*Fort, a quarter of a mile to$4$ the rear of 102:022,21[A ]| which$6#1$, embosomed in$4$ trees, rose the walls and square tower 102:022,22[A ]| of Government*House, above which$6#1$ floated the royal standard 102:022,23[A ]| of England. 102:022,24[A ]| On$4$ our left a different scene presented itself. The undulating 102:022,25[A ]| wooded banks of North*Shore, where the dark tea-tree 102:022,26[A ]| shrub and dwarf eucalypti covered the shelving cliffs 102:022,27[A ]| even to$4$ the water's edge, and handsome verandahed villas, 102:022,28[A ]| standing amid their flower-gardens and bright green lawns, 102:022,29[A ]| glittered in$4$ the sunlight like$4$ pearls set in$4$ emerald, while before 102:022,30[A ]| and around them frowned the green-black foliage of the 102:022,31[A ]| towering gum, the most mournful and funereal of trees. 102:022,32[A ]| In$4$ less time than I have taken to$9$ describe them all these 102:022,33[A ]| scenes were left behind: Pinchgut*Island and the Sow*and*Pigs 102:022,34[A ]| (what names for$4$ such scenes of fairy-land?) were quickly 102:022,35[A ]| passed ~~ for$3$ the wind had begun to$9$ freshen, ~~ and in$4$ less 102:022,36[A ]| than two hours from leaving Circular*Quay, the bold precipitous 102:022,37[A ]| bluffs known as the Heads rose to$4$ our view, and 102:022,38[A ]| beyond them the blue crested waves of the ocean ~~ the 102:022,39[A ]| boundless Pacific. 102:022,40[A ]| We took in$4$ sail, and for$4$ some minutes we gazed silently 102:023,01[A ]| upon$4$ the beauty of the scene, for$3$ there is nothing so$5#1$ conducive 102:023,02[A ]| to$4$ a drowsy kind of reverie as the mere act of gazing 102:023,03[A ]| upon$4$ the sea, and listening to$4$ its low monotonous murmur. 102:023,04[A ]| At length a certain feeling in$4$ the stomach suggestive of 102:023,05[A ]| dinner made me break the silence with, 102:023,05@a | "Well, Loval, if 102:023,06@a | you have had enough of this, let us put her about; we shall be 102:023,07@a | nearly two hours running up$4$ the harbour, and it is already 102:023,08@a | four o'clock. 102:023,09[A ]| The Frenchman started. I had evidently aroused him 102:023,10[A ]| from deep and painful thought, for$3$ his cheeks were pale as 102:023,11[A ]| death, and his eyes full of tears, but he aided me to$9$ put up$5$ 102:023,12[A ]| the sail; and we were soon tacking across the harbour's 102:023,13[A ]| mouth, so$3$ as to$9$ have fair wind up$4$ channel. 102:023,14[A ]| Sydney harbour is full of angles and windings, so$5#1$ much so$5#2$ 102:023,15[A ]| that$3$ at six different periods between the Heads and the 102:023,16[A ]| town you seem to$9$ be enclosed in$4$ a small land-locked bay, 102:023,17[A ]| only finding an exit therefrom when your boat appears to$9$ 102:023,18[A ]| touch the opposite shore. 102:023,19[A ]| It was in$4$ rounding one of these points that$3$ Loval uttered 102:023,20[A ]| a cry of alarm, and on$4$ looking round I saw a small steam-tug 102:023,21[A ]| bearing right down upon$4$ us, and only about fifty yards 102:023,22[A ]| distant. She was coming on$5$ under full steam, and we were 102:023,23[A ]| directly crossing her course. 102:023,24@a | "Port helm!" 102:023,24[A ]| I shouted to$4$ my companion; but he was 102:023,25[A ]| so$5#1$ panic-stricken that$3$ he was perfectly helpless. I flew to$4$ 102:023,26[A ]| the tiller, though too late to$9$ escape the collision. The last 102:023,27[A ]| thing I remember was the captain of the tug shout, 102:023,27@w | "Back 102:023,28@w | her!" 102:023,28[A ]| A terrific crash followed, and then a sensation of 102:023,29[A ]| being pitched head over heels into space. A moment after 102:023,30[A ]| I was struggling in$4$ the water, swallowing large mouthfuls, 102:023,31[A ]| buffeting with the waves that$6#1$ buzzed in$5$ at my ears, and 102:023,32[A ]| having the clear consciousness that$3$ I was going to$4$ the 102:023,33[A ]| bottom, for$3$ I had no$2$ idea of swimming, and the shore was a 102:023,34[A ]| good hundred yards distant. 102:023,35[A ]| Just as my eyes and nose were submerged, I heard a voice 102:023,36[A ]| shout, 102:023,36@b | "Lay your hand on$4$ my shoulder, but do not grapple 102:023,37@b | me ~~ there is a boat coming!" 102:023,38[A ]| I had sense enough left to$9$ follow this advice; and, instead 102:023,39[A ]| of clutching my preserver, as many a drowning man would 102:023,40[A ]| have done, I laid my right hand on$4$ his shoulder, and thus, 102:024,01[A ]| while he trod water, I was enabled to$9$ raise my mouth and 102:024,02[A ]| chin above the stream, and in$4$ this position, to$4$ my unspeakable 102:024,03[A ]| joy, I saw a small boat, propelled by$4$ a couple of sturdy 102:024,04[A ]| oarsmen, rapidly nearing us. 102:024,05@w | "Keep up$5$ your pecker, my hearties!" 102:024,05[A ]| shouted one of 102:024,06[A ]| them, as he shipped his oar; and in$4$ another minute we were 102:024,07[A ]| both dragged into the boat, and her head turned for$4$ Sydney. 102:024,08[A ]| Pretty drowned rats we looked, as we stepped out of the 102:024,09[A ]| \Nancy*Jane\ on$5$ to$4$ the Circular*Quay, and hastened to$4$ the 102:024,10[A ]| nearest inn to$9$ warm ourselves with a nobbler; from thence 102:024,11[A ]| driving to$4$ our hotel in$4$ a cab, and losing no$2$ time in$4$ changing 102:024,12[A ]| our dripping garments for$4$ dry clothing. 102:024,13[A ]| Having completed my toilet, I knocked at Loval's door to$9$ 102:024,14[A ]| see if he was ready. A moment later he joined me on$4$ the 102:024,15[A ]| landing. 102:024,16@a | "Well, old fellow," 102:024,16[A ]| I said, 102:024,16@a | "you saved my life, and I 102:024,17@a | trust the day may come when I shall be able to$9$ show my 102:024,18@a | gratitude in$4$ some other manner than by$4$ mere words." 102:024,19[A ]| Little did I fancy that$3$ an opportunity would soon occur. 102:024,20[A ]| Little did I know the man who$6#1$ stood beside me. 102:024,21@b | "Where shall we dine to-day, McDonald?" 102:024,21[A ]| asked Loval, 102:024,22[A ]| as we reached the hall. McDonald was my \9nom*de*guerre\. 102:024,23@a | "Well," 102:024,23[A ]| I replied, after a minute's reflection, 102:024,23@a | "let it be 102:024,24@a | the St*George's*Restaurant, in$4$ George*Street. I feel inclined 102:024,25@a | to$9$ be extravagant to-day. A bottle of champagne will$1$ take 102:024,26@a | the horrid taste of salt water out of my mouth." 102:024,27@b | "And yet you swallowed it as though you seemed to$9$ like$1$ it, 102:024,28@b | \9mon*cher\," 102:024,28[A ]| laughed Loval; 102:024,28@b | "nevertheless, champagne let it be." 102:024,29[A ]| We emerged into George*Street as we conversed, and 102:024,30[A ]| sauntered lazily on$5$, gazing at the fashionable crowd and the 102:024,31[A ]| glittering shops ~~ for$3$ George*Street is the Regent*Street of 102:024,32[A ]| Sydney ~~ until we reached the corner of King*Street, where 102:024,33[A ]| we met George*Rodway, the then Chief*of*Police at Sydney. 102:024,34[A ]| I knew him well. He nodded to$4$ me in$4$ passing, and stared 102:024,35[A ]| very hard at my companion. 102:024,36[A ]| After he had passed us about a dozen paces he stopped 102:024,37[A ]| and called to$4$ me. I begged Loval to$9$ excuse me a minute, 102:024,38[A ]| and walked up$5$ to$4$ him. 102:024,39@w | "You are a clever fellow, Brooke," 102:024,39[A ]| he exclaimed, laughingly, 102:024,40[A ]| but in$4$ a low tone. 102:025,01@a | "How so$5#2$?" 102:025,01[A ]| I asked, not understanding him. 102:025,02@w | "How so$5#2$? Come, that$6#2$ is good. Do not you fancy I am up$5$ 102:025,03@w | to$4$ your little game?" 102:025,03[A ]| he answered, with a knowing wink. 102:025,04@a | "I will$1$ be shot, Rodway, if I know to$4$ what game you 102:025,05@a | allude. The bank matter is settled very satisfactorily; I have 102:025,06@a | no$2$ further business here, and to-morrow I return to$4$ Melbourne." 102:025,07@a | 102:025,08@w | "Oh, indeed!" 102:025,08[A ]| said Rodway in$4$ a tone of relief, though a 102:025,09[A ]| curious smile rested on$4$ his lips; then, in$4$ a careless tone, he 102:025,10[A ]| asked, 102:025,10@w | "Who$6#2$ is your companion?" 102:025,11@a | "A Frenchman named Loval," 102:025,11[A ]| I replied. 102:025,11@a | "We have 102:025,12@a | been out boating, and were capsized; he saved me from 102:025,13@a | drowning." 102:025,14@w | "Oh, indeed! then I will$1$ not keep you longer from joining 102:025,15@w | him, Mr%*Brooke. I trust you will$1$ never be called upon$5$ to$9$ 102:025,16@w | return his kindess by$4$ saving him from hanging!" 102:025,17[A ]| And without waiting for$4$ a reply, Rodway turned away, 102:025,18[A ]| and quickly disappeared round the corner of Pitt*Street, 102:025,19[A ]| leaving me extremely puzzled, and totally at a loss to$9$ 102:025,20[A ]| account for$4$ his concluding words. 102:025,21@b | "How is it that$3$ you know him? He is the head detective 102:025,22@b | here, is he not?" 102:025,22[A ]| asked Loval, suspiciously, as I joined him. 102:025,23@a | "Yes," 102:025,23[A ]| I said, carelessly, for$3$ I did not want my acquaintance 102:025,24[A ]| to$9$ know that$3$ I was in$4$ the same profession; 102:025,24@a | "I had to$9$ 102:025,25@a | consult him the other day about a watch that$6#1$ was stolen. 102:025,26@a | Reputation speaks of him as being a very clever fellow." 102:025,27[A ]| By$4$ this time we had arrived at St%*George's*Restaurant 102:025,28[A ]| (why will$1$ these antipodean eating-houses choose foreign 102:025,29[A ]| designations ins lieu of the good old English name of 102:025,30[A ]| eating-house?), and entering the dining-room, took our 102:025,31[A ]| seats at one of the side tables that$6#1$, through the open 102:025,32[A ]| window, commanded a view of the street, which$6#1$ ~~ the heat 102:025,33[A ]| of the day being over, and the evening fine ~~ was more 102:025,34[A ]| thronged than usual, with a fashionable, well-dressed crowd. 102:025,35[A ]| Several handsome equipages were dashing along, or drawn 102:025,36[A ]| up$5$ before the doors of one or other of the gorgeous marts of 102:025,37[A ]| feminine apparel, awaiting their occupants, who$6#1$, perhaps, 102:025,38[A ]| were at that$6#2$ moment more engrossed over the merits and 102:025,39[A ]| demerits of a new bonnet than were their husbands, in$4$ the 102:025,40[A ]| dull gloom of the Legislative*Assembly, over some colonial 102:026,01[A ]| bill embracing mighty and important provisions for$4$ the 102:026,02[A ]| reduction of thistles, or the abolition of "brickfielders." 102:026,03[A ]| Though I had called the crowd a fashionable one, it was 102:026,04[A ]| not exclusively so$5#2$. A sprinkling of French sailors and naval 102:026,05[A ]| officers gave it somewhat the air of the Rue*St%*Antoine of 102:026,06[A ]| Marseilles, while a still larger number of British Jack*Tars, 102:026,07[A ]| artillerymen, and marines, would recall to$4$ down-west Englishmen 102:026,08[A ]| an idea of Union*Street, Plymouth. Nor were there 102:026,09[A ]| other elements of variety waiting: the cabbies, newspaper 102:026,10[A ]| boys, fruit sellers, and others, had the true brogue of the 102:026,11[A ]| Emerald*Isle, and the untanned leather complexions, twisted 102:026,12[A ]| pig-tails, and remarkable costumes of a few passing Celestials, 102:026,13[A ]| were calculated to$9$ present to$4$ an old Chinese merchant 102:026,14[A ]| reminiscences of health-impairing, liver-destroying Hong*Kong. 102:026,15[A ]| 102:026,16[A ]| And well does the aspect of the street itself accord with 102:026,17[A ]| the nationality of its promenaders; for$3$ as New*Orleans 102:026,18[A ]| presents the appearance of a French city, a German city, an 102:026,19[A ]| American city, and an Indian town, all met together in$4$ 102:026,20[A ]| orderly and decorous fraternization, so$3$ does Sydney resemble 102:026,21[A ]| an English street, a French street, a Chinese street, and a 102:026,22[A ]| Colonial street, with a dash of German, Irish, and native 102:026,23[A ]| peculiarity in$4$ each: the houses whereof have become universally 102:026,24[A ]| mutinous, and, consequently, been drafted into each 102:026,25[A ]| other's ranks. 102:026,26[A ]| In$4$ support of my assertion, I recollect, seven years ago, in$4$ 102:026,27[A ]| this very George*Street, nine houses in$4$ succession, as follows: 102:026,28[A ]| Number one, a bank (architecture pure Italian); secondly, 102:026,29[A ]| a French \9cafe=\; next, a German divan; then a Chinese 102:026,30[A ]| merchant's, followed by$4$ a colonial wooden shanty; then an 102:026,31[A ]| English draper's; then a \9pension*Suisse\; next, a Turkish 102:026,32[A ]| bath; and lastly, an American rifle gallery and bowling 102:026,33[A ]| saloon. 102:026,34[A ]| I have no$2$ longer time for$4$ description, and will$1$ at once 102:026,35[A ]| return to$4$ my personal adventures. Loval and I did ample 102:026,36[A ]| justice to$4$ the \9cuisine\ of the \9restaurant\: and after satisfying 102:026,37[A ]| the inner man, took our chairs through the window on$5$ to$4$ 102:026,38[A ]| the balcony, so$3$ that$3$ whilst we discussed our wine and cigars, 102:026,39[A ]| we could better enjoy the sweet western breeze, and observe 102:026,40[A ]| the passers by$5$ in$4$ the street below. 102:027,01[A ]| We had not been here ten minutes, when Loval, who$6#1$ 102:027,02[A ]| was sitting listlessly, with his legs over the arm of his chair, 102:027,03[A ]| suddenly started to$4$ his feet so$5#1$ impetuously that$3$ table, 102:027,04[A ]| decanter, and glasses were upset, and exclaiming, 102:027,04@b | "Cursed 102:027,05@b | fate; it is he!" 102:027,05[A ]| dashed in$5$ through the window, across the 102:027,06[A ]| room, and out at the door, before I could recover from my 102:027,07[A ]| surprise at the sudden excitability of my usually sedate and 102:027,08[A ]| unimpassioned acquaintance. 102:027,09[A ]| When I did so$5#2$, I determined to$9$ follow him, for$3$ I felt 102:027,10[A ]| that$6#2$ strange presentiment of coming evil which$6#1$ seems sometimes 102:027,11[A ]| to$9$ be a very instinct of our nature. 102:027,12[A ]| Hastily putting on$5$ my hat, I paid the bill, and reached 102:027,13[A ]| the street in$4$ time to$9$ see Loval turn the corner of Market*Street 102:027,14[A ]| towards the racecourse. I followed him, not with 102:027,15[A ]| the intention of overtaking, but for$4$ the purpose of watching 102:027,16[A ]| his movements. 102:027,17[A ]| I could see even now that$3$ a great change had come over 102:027,18[A ]| him within the last few minutes. Instead of his usual quiet 102:027,19[A ]| but haughty walk, his steps were long and uneven, and his 102:027,20[A ]| right arm (his left was still in$4$ a sling) was swinging backwards 102:027,21[A ]| and forwards, while his head kept jerking to$8$ and fro 102:027,22[A ]| like$4$ that$6#2$ of a man suffering from severe nervous affection. 102:027,23[A ]| I could not distinguish the object of Loval's pursuit, the 102:027,24[A ]| street being still crowded. On$4$ following him round the 102:027,25[A ]| next corner into Elizabeth*Street, I distinguished, about 102:027,26[A ]| fifteen yards ahead of him, a tall, muscular fellow, whose 102:027,27[A ]| Crimean shirt, white moleskin trousers, with dandy silken 102:027,28[A ]| sash, answering the purpose of belt, and felt hat, marked him 102:027,29[A ]| as a digger. 102:027,30[A ]| He seemed quite unconscious of being followed. He never 102:027,31[A ]| once looked round; but with his hands in$4$ his pocket, and 102:027,32[A ]| a short black pipe in$4$ his mouth, walked rapidly on$5$ towards 102:027,33[A ]| Bathurst*Street. All at once he stopped, as if irresolutely, 102:027,34[A ]| then turned off at right angles, and entered the racecourse, 102:027,35[A ]| which$6#1$, by-the-bye, now enjoys the more dignified appellation 102:027,36[A ]| of Hyde*Park. 102:027,37[A ]| Loval increased his pace, entered the same gate, and followed 102:027,38[A ]| still more closely, but keeping an even distance from 102:027,39[A ]| the digger. 102:027,40[A ]| By$4$ this time it was getting dark, for$3$ in$4$ New*South*Wales, 102:028,01[A ]| as far north as Sydney, twilight is very short, so$3$ that$3$ as I 102:028,02[A ]| kept some yards behind Loval, I had little fear that$3$ he would 102:028,03[A ]| recognize me, even if he looked back. 102:028,04[A ]| My curiosity was aroused to$4$ its highest pitch. Was the 102:028,05[A ]| Frenchman, with his broken arm, going to$9$ attempt to$9$ give 102:028,06[A ]| the burly digger a thrashing? I saw that$3$ hatred, and not 102:028,07[A ]| friendship, instigated my friend's movements, and naturally 102:028,08[A ]| enough imagined that$3$ it was caused by$4$ some old grievance, 102:028,09[A ]| perhaps being cheated at cards, a foul stroke at billiards, a 102:028,10[A ]| rivalry in$4$ love, or something of the sort. 102:028,11[A ]| I had not much time for$4$ conjecture. Loval, walking on$4$ 102:028,12[A ]| the grass as softly as a cat, was gradually nearing his adversary; 102:028,13[A ]| his right hand was thrust within the breast of his coat. 102:028,14[A ]| Had I not had a high opinion of the Frenchman's honour, I 102:028,15[A ]| should have imagined that$3$ he was handling a weapon; but 102:028,16[A ]| I knew him too well to$9$ have that$6#2$ suspicion, for$3$ how could I 102:028,17[A ]| fancy that$3$ the man who$6#1$ had risked his life to$9$ save my own 102:028,18[A ]| was a cowardly assassin? So$3$ I still kept at a discreet distance 102:028,19[A ]| in$4$ the rear. 102:028,20[A ]| The digger at this moment had gained the turnstile leading 102:028,21[A ]| into the main avenue, and pushing it open, passed through. 102:028,22[A ]| Then Loval sprang forward; one bound, and he was at the 102:028,23[A ]| low hedge by$4$ the side of the stile. I saw him bend down; 102:028,24[A ]| I noticed the glimmer of steel in$4$ his hand. I shouted to$4$ 102:028,25[A ]| him, but he did not hear me; my voice was drowned in$4$ the 102:028,26[A ]| sharp crack of a pistol, and the piercing shriek that$6#1$ followed. 102:028,27[A ]| 102:028,28@a | "He has killed him!" 102:028,28[A ]| I muttered to$4$ myself. I made no$2$ 102:028,29[A ]| effort to$9$ secure the murderer. I stood rooted to$4$ the spot. 102:028,30[A ]| I knew it was my duty to$9$ capture Loval, though I felt I 102:028,31[A ]| could not hand over to$4$ justice the man to$4$ whom I owed 102:028,32[A ]| my life. 102:028,33[A ]| I had just resolved to$9$ retrace my steps towards the town, 102:028,34[A ]| when I heard a cry and the sound of a scuffle, and, to$4$ my 102:028,35[A ]| surprise, saw the Frenchman struggling in$4$ the grasp of three 102:028,36[A ]| men, whose shining glazed shakos showed them to$9$ belong to$4$ 102:028,37[A ]| the police force. In$4$ spite of his opponents, he was fighting 102:028,38[A ]| like$4$ a madman; he had drawn his broken arm from its 102:028,39[A ]| sling, and was using it with as much effect as his right; in$4$ 102:028,40[A ]| fact, so$5#1$ desperate was his defence, that$3$ one of the policemen 102:029,01[A ]| was obliged to$9$ draw his staff and deliver him a head blow, 102:029,02[A ]| that$6#1$ stretched him senseless on$4$ the grass. 102:029,03[A ]| At this juncture of affairs I joined the party, and to$4$ my 102:029,04[A ]| astonishment recognized Rodway, the chief detective. 102:029,05[A ]| Upon$4$ seeing me he burst into a loud laugh. 102:029,05@w | "Ah, 102:029,06@w | Brooke!" 102:029,06[A ]| he said; 102:029,06@w | "your name ought to$9$ be Gull. I do not 102:029,07@w | admire your choice of acquaintance; there are almost sufficient 102:029,08@w | grounds for$4$ me to$9$ arrest you as an abettor in$4$ this 102:029,09@w | affair; but as you have let such a piece of good fortune slip 102:029,10@w | out of your hands into mine, I will$1$ not exceed my strict duty." 102:029,11@a | "It is a most remarkable case," 102:029,11[A ]| I replied. 102:029,11@a | "Loval is the 102:029,12@a | last man I should have suspected of such a crime; but what 102:029,13@a | you mean by$4$ the piece of good luck I have let slip. I can not 102:029,14@a | imagine." 102:029,15@w | "Oh, can not you? perhaps a glance at this poor wounded 102:029,16@w | arm and its continuations will$1$ solve the riddle!" 102:029,16[A ]| and untwisting 102:029,17[A ]| the bandage from Loval's left hand, at a glance I 102:029,18[A ]| saw that$3$ two of the fingers were missing. 102:029,19@a | "Rolf*Schweig!" 102:029,19[A ]| I exclaimed, aghast at the discovery. 102:029,20@w | "Yes, Rolf*Schweig," 102:029,20[A ]| exclaimed Rodway, with a laugh. 102:029,21@w | "Who$6#2$ would have imagined that$3$ hair dye, false moustache 102:029,22@w | (the latter does cover the cut on$4$ the upper lip, though), and 102:029,23@w | other trifles, would have deceived the keen eye of a Victorian 102:029,24@w | chief detective? My dear fellow, I have known the man's 102:029,25@w | identity for$4$ a week; but thinking that$3$ you were marking 102:029,26@w | him down as your exclusive prey, professional etiquette prevented 102:029,27@w | my interfering, until to-day from your lips I learnt 102:029,28@w | that$3$ you were ignorant as to$4$ who$6#1$ the fellow was. Then I 102:029,29@w | resolved to$9$ act at once. You were traced to$4$ the Restaurant, 102:029,30@w | and afterwards followed hither; and now James*Rodway 102:029,31@w | will$1$ thank the Victorian Government for$4$ two hundred 102:029,32@w | pounds reward." 102:029,33@a | "And the fellow he fired at ~~ is he dead?" 102:029,34@w | "Not a bit of it; the ball passed through his shoulder. 102:029,35@w | can not you hear him groaning? His wound has been bound 102:029,36@w | up$5$, and they will$1$ carry him to$4$ the hospital; he will$1$ be about 102:029,37@w | again in$4$ a fortnight." 102:029,38[A ]| ~~ ~~ ~~ 102:029,39[A ]| My story I must draw to$4$ a close. Loval ~~ to$9$ designate 102:029,40[A ]| him by$4$ his proper name, Rolf*Schweig, was borne to$4$ the 102:030,01[A ]| police station and soon recovered consciousness. He was 102:030,02[A ]| taken before the magistrates, and remanded to$4$ Melbourne, so$3$ 102:030,03[A ]| that$3$ the more serious charge, the murder of the gaoler, might 102:030,04[A ]| be gone into first. Of this, as a matter of course, he was 102:030,05[A ]| found guilty (the facts being indisputable), and sentenced to$4$ 102:030,06[A ]| death. From circumstances elicited at the trial, the fact of 102:030,07[A ]| his sanity was so$5#1$ doubtful that$3$ his sentence was commuted 102:030,08[A ]| into incarceration for$4$ life in$4$ the Yarra Lunatic*Asylum, 102:030,09[A ]| where he lived three months, and died a confirmed and dangerous 102:030,10[A ]| lunatic. 102:030,11[A ]| I visited him frequently there; he seemed as sane as most 102:030,12[A ]| men. On$4$ one of these occasions he told me his history, and 102:030,13[A ]| his reasons for$4$ committing the crimes he had perpetrated and 102:030,14[A ]| attempted: and as the narrative was both strange and yet 102:030,15[A ]| interesting, I will$1$ endeavour to$9$ narrate it to$4$ you. One fact 102:030,16[A ]| he would never thoroughly disclose ~~ how he managed to$9$ 102:030,17[A ]| evade us so$5#1$ cleverly after escaping from the Melbourne*Gaol, 102:030,18[A ]| and to$9$ get scot-free into the sister colony. 103:198,00@@@@@| 103:198,01[' ]| 103:198,02[A ]| Little did I dream that$3$ I should ever disclose the incidents of my 103:198,03[A ]| eventful life to$4$ the ears of mortal man, but now that$3$ my last night has 103:198,04[A ]| come, now that$3$ I can hear the hammering of the carpenters on$4$ the 103:198,05[A ]| terrible gibbet, and see its reflection cast by$4$ the moonlight on$4$ the walls 103:198,06[A ]| of my prison cell, I feel that$3$ it will$1$ be a relief to$9$ ease my heart in$4$ some 103:198,07[A ]| measure of the load of crime that$6#1$ lies heavy upon$4$ it, to$9$ confess my sins to$4$ 103:198,08[A ]| one human ear, before the dark grave hides them and their perpetrator 103:198,09[A ]| in$4$ its embrace for*ever. 103:198,10[A ]| To$9$ begin then, I am neither German nor French, for$3$ I was born in$4$ 103:198,11[A ]| Drury*Lane, London, in$4$ the year 1805. 103:198,12[A ]| My parents were dealers in$4$ old clothes, rags, bones, in$4$ fact, anything 103:198,13[A ]| that$6#1$ came to$4$ hand. They were Germans, and doubtless it was from 103:198,14[A ]| hearing them talk of the Fatherland in$4$ such frequent terms of regret and 103:198,15[A ]| pride that$6#1$ caused me in$4$ future years to$9$ be anxious to$9$ be considered a 103:198,16[A ]| German. 103:198,17[A ]| My parents had only two children, myself and my sister, who$6#1$ was 103:198,18[A ]| three years my senior. We were neither much looked after, nor cared 103:198,19[A ]| for$5$, being allowed to$9$ spend our time as we pleased, and pick up$5$ whatever 103:198,20[A ]| companions and playfellows we chose. 103:198,21[A ]| You may easily imagine that$3$ our position was a perilous one ~~ with no$2$ 103:198,22[A ]| good example before us, for$3$ both our parents were frequently had up$5$ for$4$ 103:198,23[A ]| receiving goods knowing them to$9$ be stolen, obtaining money under false 103:198,24[A ]| pretences, and other similar charges, while the juvenile community of 103:198,25[A ]| the immediate neighbourhood of Drury*Lane, and its blind courts and 103:198,26[A ]| alleys was not very select. 103:198,27[A ]| I soon learnt to$9$ be a pickpocket, and by$4$ the time I was twelve years 103:198,28[A ]| old I was one of the most accomplished prigs in$4$ London. 103:198,29[A ]| My sister's fortunes were better. A kind clergyman, struck by$4$ her 103:198,30[A ]| childish beauty, when she was about twelve years of age, and finding 103:198,31[A ]| her totally ignorant of every kind of religious and secular instruction, 103:198,32[A ]| got her into his Sunday school; and, at the end of three years, his wife 103:198,33[A ]| took her into her service as under housemaid. 103:198,34[A ]| To$4$ this kind sister I was indebted many a time for$4$ being saved from 103:198,35[A ]| want. When father and mother were in$4$ prison, she would often send 103:198,36[A ]| me all her scanty earnings, so$3$ that$3$ I might have bread to$9$ eat, and be 103:198,37[A ]| saved from the temptation to$9$ steal. She even begged the worthy clergyman 103:198,38[A ]| to$9$ take me into his employ as stable boy, which$6#1$ he said he could 103:198,39[A ]| not do, as he always kept his vacant situations for$4$ those who$6#1$ had been 103:198,40[A ]| most regular in$4$ their attendance at his school. 103:198,41[A ]| Even the love of this good sister, however, and the money she sent 103:198,42[A ]| me was not calculated to$9$ turn me from my evil courses. Her affection 103:198,43[A ]| was not valued then, and the money went in$4$ tobacco, beer and pitch 103:198,44[A ]| and toss during the day, while my evenings were spent around the doors 103:198,45[A ]| of the theatres, picking pockets whenever a chance offered. 103:198,46[A ]| On$4$ one of these occasions I was detected in$4$ the act. A tobacconist 103:198,47[A ]| in$4$ Bow-street saw me insert my hand into a gentleman's pocket, who$6#1$ 103:198,48[A ]| was looking into his shop window. He rushed out in$4$ time to$9$ seize it, just 103:198,49[A ]| as it had abstracted a valuable silver snuff-box. In$4$ vain I kicked and 103:198,50[A ]| struggled. I was handed over to$4$ a passing policeman, and taken to$4$ the 103:198,51[A ]| station house. Next morning I appeared, for$4$ the first time, and taken to$4$ the 103:198,52[A ]| court. The evidence of the owner of the snuff-box and that$6#2$ of the 103:198,53[A ]| tobacconist did for$4$ me. I was sent to$4$ gaol for$4$ six months. 103:198,54[A ]| There I was mixed up$5$ with criminals of the deepest villany, for$4$ one 103:198,55[A ]| of whom, a noted burglar, I contracted a great liking. I looked up$5$ to$4$ 103:198,56[A ]| him as a kind of hero, and the consequence was he patronised me in$4$ a 103:198,57[A ]| lofty sort of way; and, as his sentence of two years expired on$4$ the same 103:198,58[A ]| day as mine, he told me that$3$ he would give me a start in$4$ the world if I 103:198,59[A ]| would stick to$4$ him. 103:198,60[A ]| This I was very proud to$9$ do. We left gaol together, and took a 103:198,61[A ]| miserable room in$4$ Paradise*Row, leading out of Little*Gray's*Inn*Lane. 103:198,62[A ]| Two days later, he told me that$3$ he and some pals had arranged to$9$ 103:198,63[A ]| crack a crib at Hornsey, and that$3$ as I was small, I was to$9$ be put 103:198,64[A ]| through an abstracted pane of glass in$4$ the library window, so$3$ as to$9$ 103:198,65[A ]| open the front door for$4$ them. For$4$ this I was promised a flimsey, and 103:198,66[A ]| I readily agreed to$9$ do it. 103:198,67[A ]| The evening arrived, but I had a little job of my own on$4$ hand first, 103:198,68[A ]| for$3$ I had resolved to$9$ burn the tobacconist's shop in$4$ Bow-street, the 103:198,69[A ]| owner whereof had informed against me. 103:198,70[A ]| Although at that$6#2$ time only twelve years of age, I was a veritable little 103:198,71[A ]| demon. London street boys have all the vices and cunning of old men 103:198,72[A ]| at a very early age, and I was certainly in$4$ advance of most of my colleagues. 103:198,73[A ]| About seven o'clock, I went to$4$ the tobacconist's; being about 103:198,74[A ]| the middle of November, it was dark, or at least only lamp light, and I 103:198,75[A ]| was able to$9$ make my observations without being perceived. 103:198,76[A ]| I noticed the shelf where all the matches and pipe lights were laid, and 103:198,77[A ]| then walking away, I bought at a neighbouring shop one of those fire 103:198,78[A ]| lighters, composed of little round pieces of wood covered with tar and 103:198,79[A ]| other compounds, and returning to$4$ my victims establishment, I watched 103:198,80[A ]| my opportunity, lit my instrument of vengeance under my cloak, and 202:198,01[A ]| running into the shop, pushed it behind the row of match boxes on$4$ the 202:198,02[A ]| shelf, and then ran for$4$ my very life all the way home to$4$ Little*Gray's*Inn*Lane, 202:198,03[A ]| to$9$ meet my big pal the housebreaker. 202:198,04[A ]| I need not inflict you with an account of my further adventures that$6#2$ 202:198,05[A ]| night, suffice it to$9$ say after being put through the window, I was 202:198,06[A ]| caught before I could open the door to$9$ let in$5$ my pals. They escaped, 202:198,07[A ]| but I was again sent to$4$ the station house, and committed to$9$ take my 202:198,08[A ]| trial at the Central*Criminal*Court, on$4$ the two charges of burglary and 202:198,09[A ]| incendiarism; for$3$ the tobacconist, whose shop, as well as two adjoining 202:198,10[A ]| houses, were completely destroyed by$4$ fire, traced the crime home to$4$ me, 202:198,11[A ]| by$4$ swearing that$3$ he saw me running \out\ of his shop, while a policeman 202:198,12[A ]| on$4$ duty in$4$ the street deposed that$3$ he saw me go in$5$ stealthily and put 202:198,13[A ]| something on$4$ the shelf, but that$3$ before he could take me in$4$ charge, I 202:198,14[A ]| had rushed out and run down the street like$4$ a mad thing. Even the 202:198,15[A ]| shop*keeper of whom I had bought the fire lighter was in$4$ court to$9$ swear 202:198,16[A ]| that$3$ I was the purchaser. In$4$ short, I was found guilty on$4$ both charges, and 202:198,17[A ]| condemned to$4$ nine years penal servitude for$4$ the burning out of the 202:198,18[A ]| tobacconist, and seven for$4$ housebreaking at Hornsey, making a cumulative 202:198,19[A ]| sentence of sixteen years, which$6#1$ were to$9$ be spent in$4$ that$6#2$ dreaded 202:198,20[A ]| colony of New*South*Wales. 202:198,21[A ]| After lying in$4$ prison for$4$ about three months, I, with fifty others, 202:198,22[A ]| was conveyed to$4$ the London docks in$4$ prison cars, and placed on$4$ board 202:198,23[A ]| the Vulture, which$6#1$ a day later, in$4$ company with a store ship, named 202:198,24[A ]| the Mystery, sailed for$4$ Australia. 202:198,25[A ]| After a seven months voyage, during which$6#1$ we suffered the very torments 202:198,26[A ]| of hell, being chained in$4$ the hold to$4$ each other in$4$ rows, sometimes for$4$ 202:198,27[A ]| weeks at a time, while the least murmur would bring the lash. Often 202:198,28[A ]| too, the hatchway was battened down during the rough weather, for$4$ days, 202:198,29[A ]| and strong men fainted for$4$ want of air, or rendered darkness more 202:198,30[A ]| hideous by$4$ the wildest and most horrible ravings and imprecations. 202:198,31[A ]| Some even died, and in$4$ one or two instances their dead bodies, still 202:198,32[A ]| chained to$4$ their living companions, were left festering amongs us until 202:198,33[A ]| nearly putrid, before their irons were knocked off and their poor remains 202:198,34[A ]| committed to$4$ the deep. 202:198,35[A ]| At length scurvy broke out, and then the visits of our persecutors 202:198,36[A ]| became more frequent. Every night they came down to$4$ our noisome 202:198,37[A ]| den, to$9$ clear away the corpses, and seldom did they return empty handed, 202:198,38[A ]| for$3$ there was no$2$ surgeon on$4$ board, and we were left to$9$ die or live as luck 202:198,39[A ]| or providence willed it. 202:198,40[A ]| Our rate of death kept at about an average of two a day, and every 202:198,41[A ]| night we could hear the dull splash! splash! as their corpses were 202:198,42[A ]| thrown into the sea without coffin or burial service. 202:198,43[A ]| It was a horrible time, often we prayed for$4$ shipwreck, for$3$ death would 202:198,44[A ]| have been a welcome termination to$4$ our sufferings. At last, however, 202:198,45@w | "Land Ho!" 202:198,45[A ]| was the welcome shout from the look*out, and twenty-four 202:198,46[A ]| hours later we dropped anchor in$4$ the magnificent harbour of Sydney. 202:198,47[A ]| The next day we were landed, and twenty strong in$4$ number, (for$3$ 202:198,48[A ]| thirty had died on$4$ the passage), we marched between a company of 202:198,49[A ]| light infantry, with loaded muskets and fixed bayonets, to$4$ the gaol. 202:198,50[A ]| Strange as it may appear, I never remember feeling so$5#1$ happy in$4$ my 202:198,51[A ]| life as I did that$6#2$ day, even though I was being ignominiously conducted 202:198,52[A ]| to$4$ a prison. 202:198,53[A ]| The air was so$5#1$ pure and beautiful, the sun shining so$5#1$ brightly, and 202:198,54[A ]| all nature so$5#1$ calm and peaceful, that$3$ after the fearful horrors of the 202:198,55[A ]| past few months, it seemed a veritable garden of Eden. 202:198,56[A ]| At this time it was the custom instead of keeping the convicts close 202:198,57[A ]| prisoners, to$9$ assign them to$4$ the officers of the garrison, and to$4$ the free 202:198,58[A ]| settlers as domestic servants. At the time of my arrival, however, the 202:198,59[A ]| supply very much exceeded the demand, and for$4$ six months I continued 202:198,60[A ]| an inmate of the Parramatta gaol, being employed during the day 202:198,61[A ]| with a hundred other convicts in$4$ road making, stone breaking, &c. 202:198,62[A ]| During all this time I had received no$2$ tidings of my parents. I had 202:198,63[A ]| left them both in$4$ prison, on$4$ a charge of purchasing a valuable watch for$4$ 202:198,64[A ]| three pounds, knowing it to$9$ be stolen. 202:198,65[A ]| One morning I was lying in$4$ my cell, thinking of them, and fancying 202:198,66[A ]| how strange it would be if a paternal government were to$9$ send them out 202:198,67[A ]| to$9$ meet me in$4$ Australia, when I heard steps in$4$ the corridor, the grind 202:198,68[A ]| of the huge key in$4$ the door of my prison cell; and when it opened, oh, 202:198,69[A ]| heavens! I fancied I must be mad, for$3$ my eyes rested on$4$ the face of my 202:198,70[A ]| sister. 202:198,71[A ]| It was indeed her; the same quiet smile, the same soft melancholy 202:198,72[A ]| light in$4$ the large hazel eyes, the same soft pleasing voice. After a 202:198,73[A ]| moment's survey I knew I had not been dreaming, and the next moment 202:198,74[A ]| we were clasped in$4$ a silent embrace. When the turnkey had retired, 202:198,75[A ]| bolting the door behind him, I learnt that$3$ this angel of mercy had 202:198,76[A ]| left her situation in$4$ England and encountered all the dangers and 202:198,77[A ]| discomforts of the long voyage, (for$3$ those were not the days of ocean 202:198,78[A ]| steamships and swift Black*Ball*Liners), for$4$ \my\ sake, to$9$ soften \my\ hardships. 202:198,79[A ]| She had even broken off an engagement with a young man who$6#1$ 202:198,80[A ]| loved her fondly, and whom she loved, to$4$ whom shortly she was to$9$ have 202:198,81[A ]| been married, because her affection and sense of duty told her that$3$ she 202:198,82[A ]| might do good to$4$ a sinful and ungrateful brother, at the other end of 202:198,83[A ]| the world; and that$6#2$ brother a convict too, a thing of scorn whom many 202:198,84[A ]| sisters would have disowned and shrunk from. 202:198,85[A ]| When she told me all this, for$4$ the first time since I was a child, tears 202:198,86[A ]| trickled down my face; for$4$ the first time for$4$ many months, my heart 202:198,87[A ]| told me that$3$ I was not an alien from all mankind. 202:198,88[A ]| We were not allowed to$9$ be together for$4$ more than a quarter of an 202:198,89[A ]| hour, but during that$6#2$ short interval I learnt that$3$ my parents were still 103:199,01[A ]| in$4$ prison, and were likely to$9$ remain there for$4$ a couple of years more. 103:199,02[A ]| I found also that$3$ she brought out the most excellent character from the 103:199,03[A ]| good clergyman's family in$4$ which$6#1$ she had lived so$5#1$ long, and this I 103:199,04[A ]| knew would get her a good place and high wages in$4$ Sydney. She 103:199,05[A ]| told me that$3$ her plan was to$9$ obtain a good situation, get into favour with 103:199,06[A ]| her employers, and then induce them to$9$ get me assigned to$4$ them; 103:199,07[A ]| when, after a time, if I conducted myself well, and they took a fancy to$4$ 103:199,08[A ]| me, a ticket-of-leave might be obtained, and I should almost be as well 103:199,09[A ]| off as a free labourer. 103:199,10[A ]| Ah! Mr%*Brooke, I see by$4$ the shadow of the gallows on$4$ the wall that$3$ 103:199,11[A ]| I must condense the incidents of my tale, or I shall be unable to$9$ conclude 103:199,12[A ]| it in$4$ this world. Well, then, Annie was successful; within a week 103:199,13[A ]| of her arrival she obtained a situation as dairy-maid in$4$ an officer's 103:199,14[A ]| family, who$6#1$ resided in$4$ the bush, but only six miles from Sydney; and, 103:199,15[A ]| in$4$ about a month after, a generally useful lad being wanted, she begged 103:199,16[A ]| her master to$9$ take me. The consequence was that$3$ I became an 103:199,17[A ]| assigned servant to$4$ Lieutenant*Pasco of the Marines, and entered upon$4$ 103:199,18[A ]| my duties forthwith. 103:199,19[A ]| A career of happiness now opened before me. The example of my 103:199,20[A ]| sister engendered in$4$ my breast a wish to$9$ imitate her good qualities. My 103:199,21[A ]| duties being over early, I could spend all my evenings with her, when 103:199,22[A ]| we would talk over the sins of my past life, and she would teach me to$9$ 103:199,23[A ]| read, and write, and sing, at all of which$6#1$ I was an apt pupil. 103:199,24[A ]| My sister's favourite tune was the "\Evening*Hymn\" and we used to$9$ 103:199,25[A ]| sing it together every night before I started across the home paddock 103:199,26[A ]| towards the hut, which$6#1$ I shared with the shepherd. 103:199,27[A ]| I stayed with Lieutenant*Pasco three years, and in$4$ that$6#2$ short period 103:199,28[A ]| rose from the equivocal situation of generally useful boy to$4$ the post of 103:199,29[A ]| bailiff or agent. You may consider this an extraordinary thing for$4$ a 103:199,30[A ]| convict so$5#1$ quickly to$9$ accomplish, but it is nevertheless true that$3$ I did it. 103:199,31[A ]| Within that$6#2$ three years I had also educated my*self to$4$ a great extent. I 103:199,32[A ]| had picked up$5$ German, from a stockman on$4$ the station, who$6#1$ had belonged 103:199,33[A ]| to$4$ a German band in$4$ London, and been transported for$4$ stabbing 103:199,34[A ]| a comrade while in$4$ a state of half-drunken passion. I had acquired an 103:199,35[A ]| intimate knowledge of French, too, from the hutkeeper, who$6#1$ had been sent 103:199,36[A ]| out for$4$ forgery. A thorough Parisian, this fellow had lived some years 103:199,37[A ]| in$4$ London, and gained a handsome income by$4$ forging foreign passports 103:199,38[A ]| for$4$ runaway debtors and others, who$6#1$ were in$4$ a hurry to$9$ put the Channel 103:199,39[A ]| between them and Britain. Besides this, I had mastered my own 103:199,40[A ]| language, learned book-keeping, and formed myself into a thorough man 103:199,41[A ]| of business. 103:199,42[A ]| Annie, my sister, had not been idle all this time. She, too, had 103:199,43[A ]| struggled hard to$9$ improve her education, and had succeeded sufficiently 103:199,44[A ]| to$9$ rise from the position of dairy-maid to$9$ be a sort of nursery governess 103:199,45[A ]| and wardrobe*keeper. Both Lieutenant*Pasco and his young and lovely 103:199,46[A ]| wife were very kind to$4$ us, and the former had already promised speedily 103:199,47[A ]| to$9$ obtain me a ticket-of-leave, when the terrible calamity happened 103:199,48[A ]| which$6#1$ took from me one whom I loved more than my own life, and 103:199,49[A ]| dedicated me her avenger. 103:199,50[A ]| I was now seventeen years of age, Annie was just twenty, and still a 103:199,51[A ]| very lovely young woman. Her eyes were blue as the Australian sky, and 103:199,52[A ]| her hair of that$6#2$ pale brown that$6#1$ gleams with golden lustre in$4$ every shade 103:199,53[A ]| of light; her eyebrows were well arched, her lashes long and silken, the 103:199,54[A ]| little rows of teeth were white as strings of pearls, and the delicate purity 103:199,55[A ]| of her skin was remarkable for$4$ such a climate as Sydney. In$4$ figure she 103:199,56[A ]| was graceful, and of the medium height, being neither thin, nor 103:199,57[A ]| approaching to$4$ fatness. 103:199,58[A ]| Annie was liked by$4$ everyone, and, consequently, everyone was glad 103:199,59[A ]| that$3$ she had so$5#1$ risen in$4$ favour with her mistress, as to$9$ be promoted to$4$ 103:199,60[A ]| the situation of trust I have named. When I say everyone, I must, 103:199,61[A ]| however, except the German stockkeeper. He had learnt to$9$ love Annie 103:199,62[A ]| in$4$ his wild impulsive way, and had sworn that$3$ she should be his. He 103:199,63[A ]| saw in$4$ this rise in$4$ her position another serious obstacle to$9$ be overcome. 103:199,64[A ]| The difference was broad enough between the free dairymaid and the 103:199,65[A ]| convict cattle-driver, but now the gulf was amazingly widened, and he 103:199,66[A ]| began to$9$ feel less sure of his success. 103:199,67[A ]| Annie had never received his advances with any degree of favour, 103:199,68[A ]| though her natural kindness of heart and delicacy of feeling prevented 103:199,69[A ]| her treating him rudely, and sending him speedily about his business, 103:199,70[A ]| as she should have done. And, perhaps, this conduct with a fellow who$6#1$ 103:199,71[A ]| could not understand "No$7$" to$9$ mean no$7$, unless accompanied by$4$ abuse 103:199,72[A ]| and passion, encouraged him to$9$ hope on$5$. At last, however, matters 103:199,73[A ]| came to$4$ a crisis ~~ the fellow actually wrote her a letter of eight pages, 103:199,74[A ]| which$6#1$ were devoted, the first three to$4$ a rambling confession of his passion, 103:199,75[A ]| the next two to$4$ the offer of his hand and heart, and the last three 103:199,76[A ]| to$4$ vague threats of putting an end to$4$ himself, if she refused him. 103:199,77[A ]| My sister put this letter into my hands, and begged me to$9$ return it to$4$ 103:199,78[A ]| the writer, and tell him that$3$ he must never speak or write to$4$ her 103:199,79[A ]| again. 103:199,80[A ]| I obeyed her behest; but I spoke to$4$ the fellow a deal sharper than she 103:199,81[A ]| would have wished me to$9$ do, and the consequence was, that$3$ angry words 103:199,82[A ]| arose, and he called me a "Lag," whereupon I knocked him down, and 103:199,83[A ]| left the hut. 103:199,84[A ]| From that$6#2$ day there was no$2$ good blood lost between us, at least on$4$ 103:199,85[A ]| Itzig*Schroter's side, and I was told that$3$ he had sworn that$3$, if Annie 103:199,86[A ]| would not be his wife, she should not at all events wed anybody 103:199,87[A ]| else. 103:199,88[A ]| For$4$ another three months things went on$5$ in$4$ their usual routine; and, 103:199,89[A ]| one afternoon in$4$ June, my sister obtained leave to$9$ ride into Sydney, as 202:199,01[A ]| she wanted to$9$ deposit some of her salary in$4$ the new savings bank. I 202:199,02[A ]| had arranged to$9$ accompany her, but, at the last moment, something 202:199,03[A ]| turned up$5$, that$6#1$ required my immediate attention at the home station, 202:199,04[A ]| and I was forced to$9$ stay behind. 202:199,05[A ]| She was not the girl to$9$ fear a lonely ride, however; Sydney, I have 202:199,06[A ]| said before, was only six miles from the station, and Annie was a first-rate 202:199,07[A ]| horsewoman so$3$, as she intended to$9$ take a cup of tea with a friend 202:199,08[A ]| in$4$ town ere her return, I promised to$9$ ride and meet her in$4$ the evening, 202:199,09[A ]| and hurried away. 202:199,10[A ]| Night came, and I mounted one of the horses, and hastened to$9$ fulfil 202:199,11[A ]| my promise. I had not been able to$9$ get over my work so$5#1$ speedily as I 202:199,12[A ]| had anticipated, so$3$ that$3$ I was somewhat after my time, but I rode 202:199,13[A ]| quickly to$9$ make up$5$ for$4$ it, and clearing the open space in$4$ front of the 202:199,14[A ]| home station, speedily struck into the narrow bush track, which$6#1$ I must 202:199,15[A ]| traverse before I gained the broad road to$4$ Sydney. 202:199,16[A ]| The night had grown very dark, considering that$3$ the moon was at its 202:199,17[A ]| full, but heavy masses of clouds so$5#1$ covered the heavens, that$3$ its radiance 202:199,18[A ]| was seldom visible. It was, nevertheless, possible to$9$ see a couple of yards 202:199,19[A ]| before my horse's head, and knowing the road, that$6#2$ was ample for$4$ me. 202:199,20[A ]| As I rode on$5$, my mind dwelt on$4$ many things. Unpleasant recollections 202:199,21[A ]| of the past mingled with pleasing thoughts of the present, and still 202:199,22[A ]| brighter hopes of the future, for$3$ I had that$6#2$ day been told by$4$ my master 202:199,23[A ]| that$3$ my ticket-of-leave had been already signed, and would be in$4$ my 202:199,24[A ]| possession the next day, while hopes were held out at the same time of a 202:199,25[A ]| part remission of my sentence. 202:199,26[A ]| Once or twice my reverie was broken in$5$ upon$4$ by$4$ a distant sound resembling 202:199,27[A ]| a scream, but I set it down as the chuckle of the laughing-jackass, 202:199,28[A ]| or the cry of the cuckoo. At length, the sharp report of a pistol 202:199,29[A ]| smote upon$4$ my ear, and putting spurs to$4$ my horse, I galloped in$4$ the 202:199,30[A ]| direction of the sound. 202:199,31[A ]| The beating of my heart told me that$3$ some dread discovery was near 202:199,32[A ]| at hand, and suddenly my horse stopped and trembled violently. Finding 202:199,33[A ]| it impossible to$9$ urge him on$5$, I dismounted, and endeavoured to$9$ 202:199,34[A ]| discover the cause of his terror; when the moon suddenly glinted out 202:199,35[A ]| from behind the cloud, and, oh! ~~ horror of horrors! ~~ I beheld the dead 202:199,36[A ]| body of my poor sister lying at my feet. Her face was distorted and 202:199,37[A ]| covered with bruises, her eyes glared wildly upwards at the cloud-covered 202:199,38[A ]| sky, and a dark stream of blood veiled slowly forth from a pistol wound 202:199,39[A ]| in$4$ the throat. Alas! there was sufficient to$9$ show that$3$ a worse, aye, a 202:199,40[A ]| more foul crime than murder had been committed. 202:199,41[A ]| She was quite dead, and by$4$ the sudden, brilliant light of that$6#2$ full 202:199,42[A ]| moon, I bent down and looked into her poor upturned eyes. Heavens! 202:199,43[A ]| in$4$ their widely expanded pupils, I saw \reflected the features of the German\ 202:199,44[A ]| \storekeeper, Itzig*Schroter.\ 202:199,45[A ]| From that$6#2$ moment I lost all consciousness until one bright summer's 202:199,46[A ]| morning, three days after my poor sister's murder, I awoke from a 202:199,47[A ]| dreamy state of delirium, and all the incidents of that$6#2$ horrid night came 202:199,48[A ]| vividly back to$4$ my mind. Then everything became once more confused. 202:199,49[A ]| Again wild ideas hovered through my brain, and wild shapes flitted 202:199,50[A ]| before my eyes. I was mad, and the succeeding six months were spent 202:199,51[A ]| in$4$ the lunatic asylum. 202:199,52[A ]| At last I was discharged as cured, and walked a comparatively free 202:199,53[A ]| and sane man through the streets of Sydney. My ticket-of-leave was in$4$ 202:199,54[A ]| my pocket ~~ it had been given me by$4$ the surgeon on$4$ my departure from 202:199,55[A ]| the asylum. 202:199,56[A ]| At Sydney, I learnt that$3$ two men had been tried for$4$ the murder of my 202:199,57[A ]| sister, and condemned to$4$ death, but had contrived to$9$ escape the night 202:199,58[A ]| before the day fixed for$4$ their execution. No$2$ traces had been gathered of 202:199,59[A ]| them since, but the general opinion entertained was, that$3$ they must 202:199,60[A ]| have wandered into the bush, and perished miserably there. No$2$ suspicions 202:199,61[A ]| had rested on$4$ Itzig*Schroter, who$6#1$, I learned was still in$4$ the service 202:199,62[A ]| of Lieutenant*Pasco. 202:199,63[A ]| With a mind deadened to$4$ every feeling of mercy, and a heart filled 202:199,64[A ]| with no$2$ single desire on$4$ earth, save to$9$ avenge my sister's death, I stayed 202:199,65[A ]| in$4$ town until evening, and then set out for$4$ the station. I knew that$3$ 202:199,66[A ]| Schroter generally occupied a little hut to$4$ himself, which$6#1$ stood about a 202:199,67[A ]| mile from the homestead. I had bought powder and shot at a gun-maker's 202:199,68[A ]| in$4$ town, and stolen a pistol from the window while the shopkeeper's 202:199,69[A ]| back was turned. I now loaded my weapon with grim satisfaction, 202:199,70[A ]| as I strode on$5$ along the solitary bush track. 202:199,71[A ]| An hour later I stood at the door of the stock-keeper's hut. It was only 202:199,72[A ]| on$4$ the latch, so$3$ I noiselessly opened it and entered. 202:199,73[A ]| By$4$ the moonlight that$6#2$ streamed in$5$ through the open door, I saw 202:199,74[A ]| the bulky form of the German lying at full length on$4$ his straw 202:199,75[A ]| covered stretcher. I cocked my pistol, and shook him by$4$ the shoulder. 202:199,76[A ]| He immediately awoke, and as he did so$5#2$, his eyes rested on$4$ me, and 202:199,77[A ]| on$4$ the glittering barrel of the pistol. 202:199,78@a | "Itzig*Schroter, I have come to$9$ avenge my sister's murder," 202:199,78[A ]| I said 202:199,79[A ]| sternly. 202:199,80[A ]| The wretched man half leaped from his bed, and with his eyes raised to$4$ 202:199,81[A ]| mine, begged piteously for$4$ his life. 202:199,82[A ]| Then a thought struck me, and I said, 202:199,82@a | "Tell me the names of your 202:199,83@a | companions in$4$ villany, and where I may find them?" 202:199,84@b | "If I do, will$1$ you spare my life?" 103:200,01@a | "I do not promise; but if you try to$9$ deceive me, you have no$2$ hope. 103:200,02@a | Remember, I know much already." 103:200,03[A ]| Thus exhorted, Schroter confessed all. He told me that$3$ he was aided 103:200,04[A ]| in$4$ his diabolical crime by$4$ two other fellow convicts, also Germans, 103:200,05[A ]| named Gra^sser and Hippus; that$3$ they had been tried in$4$ Sydney and 103:200,06[A ]| found guilty, but that$3$ suspicion had never rested on$4$ him. He further informed 103:200,07[A ]| me that$3$ they had both escaped from the colony, but how, or by$4$ 103:200,08[A ]| what means no*one knew. 103:200,09[A ]| I next made him give me a close description of the two ruffians, so$3$ 103:200,10[A ]| that$3$ I might know them again if ever I came across them; and after he 103:200,11[A ]| had done this, to$9$ make my mercy more certain, he told me that$3$ Hippus 103:200,12[A ]| was the murderer, and that$3$ he was only induced to$9$ join in$4$ the affair on$4$ 103:200,13[A ]| being assured that$3$ robbery was the sole object of his mates. 103:200,14@a | "Liar and villain," 103:200,14[A ]| I cried. 103:200,14@a | "I saw your countenance reflected in$4$ the 103:200,15@a | eyes of my murdered sister, your mates only aided you in$4$ the vile plot 103:200,16@a | that$6#2$ you yourself concocted, and thus do I avenge her." 103:200,17[A ]| I levelled my pistol as I spoke, and fired. 103:200,18[A ]| A sharp cry was followed by$4$ a hollow moan, and as the smoke cleared 103:200,19[A ]| away, I saw that$3$ Scroter had fallen across the stretcher. He was dead; 103:200,20[A ]| a dark stream of blood flowed from a gap in$4$ his throat. I had shot him 103:200,21[A ]| exactly in$4$ the same spot as he had shot my poor sister. 103:200,22[A ]| Whether from a return of my insanity caused by$4$ the strong excitement 103:200,23[A ]| under which$6#1$ I was labouring, I know not, but no$2$ sooner did I 103:200,24[A ]| arrive at the conclusion that$3$ Schroter was dead, than I felt that$3$ I must 103:200,25[A ]| commemorate my first act of retribution by$4$ severing the first finger of 103:200,26[A ]| my left hand. I did so$5#2$ with a knife I found in$4$ the hut, bandaged up$5$ the 103:200,27[A ]| stump, and fled to$4$ the bush. 103:200,28[A ]| Mr%*Brooke, ~~ I have but a short time to$9$ finish my tale. I asked Mr%*Brown, 103:200,29[A ]| the Protestant chaplain, to$9$ come to$4$ me at seven o'clock, it only 103:200,30[A ]| wants ten minutes to$4$ that$6#2$ hour. You will$1$ remember there yet lived two 103:200,31[A ]| others on$4$ whom I had sworn to$9$ wreak my vengeance. Yet in$4$ spite of my 103:200,32[A ]| utmost efforts, I could obtain no$2$ clue as to$4$ their whereabouts. Years 103:200,33[A ]| passed away, I had been a wanderer in$4$ every land, everywhere watching, 103:200,34[A ]| watching and waiting for$4$ them who$6#1$ came not. At last the gold fever 103:200,35[A ]| broke out in$4$ this colony, and, after an absence of thirty years, I again set 103:200,36[A ]| foot in$4$ Australia; not, however, with the intention of digging for$4$ the yellow 103:200,37[A ]| dross ~~ for$3$ I had already accumulated enough to$9$ supply my few 103:200,38[A ]| wants while life remained. No$7$ like$4$ the sleuth hound, I scented blood. 103:200,39[A ]| Instinct told me I should find Hippus and Gra^sser here, and it did not 103:200,40[A ]| deceive me. 103:200,41[A ]| At an hotel in$4$ Geelong, I encountered the former. His costume as a 103:200,42[A ]| waiter, and the alterations which$6#1$ the hand of time had made in$4$ his 103:200,43[A ]| features, did not cheat my memory. I stabbed him, but my dagger 103:200,44[A ]| striking a copper coin in$4$ his waistcoat pocket glanced off, and instead 103:200,45[A ]| of piercing his heart, merely inflicted a flesh wound. I was arrested, 103:200,46[A ]| tried, condemned, and incarcerated, as you are aware, in$4$ the Melbourne 103:200,47[A ]| Central*Gaol. 103:200,48[A ]| Here I had been about two years and a half, when I discovered that$3$ a 103:200,49[A ]| new turnkey had been appointed to$4$ our wing of the prison. To$4$ my intense 103:200,50[A ]| joy, I recognised in$4$ him the German convict Gra^sser. 103:200,51[A ]| You know how I served him, and how I escaped. 103:200,52[A ]| He was my second victim. I fled I know not whither. At midnight, 103:200,53[A ]| I found myself sitting upon$4$ the cold watery steps of Sandridge*Pier. The 103:200,54[A ]| silence and solemnity of the scene almost tempted me to$9$ commit suicide, 103:200,55[A ]| but the memory that$3$ yet a third assassin lived, and that$3$ my vengeance 103:200,56[A ]| was not yet complete, diverted the thought. Then a wild tumult in$4$ the 103:200,57[A ]| brain banished all reasoning faculties, I only knew that$3$ my old madness 103:200,58[A ]| was once more conquering my faculties; under its impulse I quietly 103:200,59[A ]| drew from my pocket the clasp-knife of the murdered, which$6#1$ I had 103:200,60[A ]| pocketed after committing the crime, and coolly and systematically 103:200,61[A ]| severed a second finger of my left hand; bandaging it up$5$ afterwards as 103:200,62[A ]| carefully and skilfully, as though I had been an army surgeon. 103:200,63[A ]| What I did after this, and how I escaped from the colony, I know not. 103:200,64[A ]| I believe I did it all while in$4$ a state of lunacy. I have a dim memory of 103:200,65[A ]| riding for$4$ days and nights through stony deserts and boundless tracts of 103:200,66[A ]| sand; of a wild longing for$4$ water, and at length of sinking exhausted 103:200,67[A ]| beside a flowing river. I believe I first became sane when I found 103:200,68[A ]| myself among a party of overlanders, and within view of the City of 103:200,69[A ]| Sydney. They told me that$3$ they had found me lying helpless beside a 103:200,70[A ]| creek on$4$ the parched open plain, and that$3$ my burning thirst had weakened 103:200,71[A ]| my brain, and made me delirious. I fancied I knew better, but 103:200,72[A ]| said nothing, and in$4$ another hour we were at our journey's end. 103:200,73[A ]| This was about five months before I met you. During that$6#2$ time I 103:200,74[A ]| earned my living chiefly through my luck at cards, and also by$4$ painting 103:200,75[A ]| pictures ~~ for$3$ I had become an artist during a somewhat lengthened stay 103:200,76[A ]| in$4$ Germany, whither I had journeyed some five years previously, fancying 103:200,77[A ]| that$3$ both Hippus and Gra^sser might have returned to$4$ their native 103:200,78[A ]| country. 103:200,79[A ]| Well, I have little more to$9$ add. The man who$6#1$ passed the window of 103:200,80[A ]| the St%*George's*Restaurant, and whom I followed and fired at, was 103:200,81[A ]| Hippus. I recognised him in$4$ an instant, although the jaunty digger 103:200,82[A ]| costume had supplanted the dress of a waiter, and sorry am I that$3$ my 103:200,83[A ]| wrist had lost its steadiness, or my poor sister should have been fully 103:200,84[A ]| avenged. Still I am content, for$3$ though acquitted by$4$ the law, Hippus 103:200,85[A ]| carries his crime in$4$ his heart, and one day fate will$1$ provide him a meet 103:200,86[A ]| doom. 103:200,87[A ]| Mr%*Brooke, you have heard my tale; the gallows is ready, it is past 103:200,88[A ]| seven, I hear the chaplain's step on$4$ the stairs, you must go," 103:200,88[' ]| and rising, 103:200,89[' ]| the lunatic motioned me from the room. 103:200,01[' ]| Poor Schwieg, it was only a fortnight after this that$3$ he died, amid the 103:200,02[' ]| most terrible ravings. He expired exactly at the hour of seven in$4$ the 103:200,03[' ]| morning, the time which$6#1$ his phantasy had ever, day by$4$ day, and hour 103:200,04[' ]| by$4$ hour, depicted as the time fixed for$4$ his execution on$4$ the morrow. 103:200,05[' ]| His history made a great impression upon$4$ me, it was the strangest 103:200,06[' ]| I had yet met with during my professional career. 104:235,00@@@@@| 104:235,01[' ]| 104:235,02[A ]| By$4$ the opening of the year 1853, things had settled down pretty considerably 104:235,03[A ]| in$4$ the good city of Melbourne, and, indeed, throughout the colony. 104:235,04[A ]| A revolver stuck one side your belt, and a bowie knife the other, was not 104:235,05[A ]| the afternoon promenade costume for$4$ Collins-street then more than it is now. 104:235,06[A ]| Handsome shops had already sprung up$5$ here and there, pavement was a 104:235,07[A ]| thing not unknown in$4$ the principal streets, public gardens had begun to$9$ be 104:235,08[A ]| laid out, church towers and spires were more plentiful, board and lodging 104:235,09[A ]| could be had for$4$ money at all seasons, though two-roomed houses did bring 104:235,10[A ]| their four and six pounds a week rent, on$4$ a general average; many handsome 104:235,11[A ]| suburban terraces, too, had arisen, as by$4$ magic; Collingwood and Fitzroy 104:235,12[A ]| were no$2$ longer towns under canvas, but had gradually risen to$9$ be represented 104:235,13[A ]| by$4$ neat weatherboard, ugly corrugated iron, and even here and there, 104:235,14[A ]| brick and stone tenements; railways, too, were in$4$ progress, and a handsome 104:235,15[A ]| stone bridge had been thrown across the Yarra, at the foot of Swanston-street. 104:235,16[A ]| Over this bridge, and, consequently, on$4$ the south side of the river, 104:235,17[A ]| stood our barracks ~~ a fact sufficiently attested to$4$ the beholder by$4$ the blue 104:235,18[A ]| uniform, white facings, and shouldered carbine of the sentry, ever on$4$ duty 104:235,19[A ]| before the large white gate leading into the barrack-square. 104:235,20[A ]| Inside the outer gates, and, as well as I recollect, on$4$ the right hand side 104:235,21[A ]| thereof, were the sergeant-major's quarters, together with those of the lieutenant 104:235,22[A ]| in$4$ charge, while opposite them stood the residence and office of the 104:235,23[A ]| inspector. Of the square itself, the extreme right was the officers' and commissioners' 104:235,24[A ]| stables, and opposite were the stables for$4$ the troop horses, in$4$ 104:235,25[A ]| the rear whereof were pitched the tents for$4$ the troopers, while close by$5$ stood 104:235,26[A ]| a long, unsightly building, which$6#1$ was divided into a mess-room and dormitory 104:235,27[A ]| for$4$ the cadets. These said cadets rejoiced in$4$ a silver-lace band 104:235,28[A ]| around their caps, instead of the white cloth one that$6#1$ distinguished the 104:235,29[A ]| troopers. 104:235,30[A ]| There are many people who$6#1$ think barrack life a sadly idle and indolent 104:235,31[A ]| one. They may be right, but if so$5#2$, ours was a great exception to$4$ the 104:235,32[A ]| general rule, for$3$ at six o'clock every morning, we were roused by$4$ sound of 104:235,33[A ]| trumpet, and had to$9$ dress at once, take out our chargers, and ride them more 104:235,34[A ]| than a mile to$4$ water. On$4$ our return, we had to$9$ clean them down and give 104:235,35[A ]| them a feed, by$4$ which$6#1$ time another trumpet flourish announced the morning 104:235,36[A ]| meal for$4$ ourselves, over which$6#1$ we were allowed an hour, and which$6#1$ consisted 104:235,37[A ]| of good plain roast or boiled meat, bread, and tea without milk. At 104:235,38[A ]| ten, the cry was 104:235,38@x | "boot and saddle," 104:235,38[A ]| and we had to$9$ fall in$5$ on$4$ parade with our 104:235,39[A ]| horses. Inpection over, which$6#1$ generally lasted half an hour, the order was 104:235,40[A ]| given to$9$ mount, and we rode into the Government paddock ~~ a large piece of 104:235,41[A ]| open ground, at the end of which$6#1$ flowed the Yarra*Yarra, forming its northern 104:235,42[A ]| boundary ~~ where we had a full two hours' drill, after which$6#1$, we returned to$4$ 104:235,43[A ]| barracks, cleaned down our chargers, furbished up$5$ our accoutrements, and 104:235,44[A ]| went to$4$ dinner, which$6#1$, as to$4$ the kind of prog, was breakfast over again, with 104:235,45[A ]| the variation of hot meat for$4$ cold, and vegetables in$4$ lieu of bread. After 104:235,46[A ]| this, we had to$9$ parade for$4$ a second two hours' drill, this time on$4$ foot, which$6#1$ 104:235,47[A ]| brought us up$5$ to$4$ within a few minutes of four o'clock, when our day's labour 104:235,48[A ]| was concluded, save for$4$ such of us as were told off for$4$ guard, which$6#1$ was strictly 104:235,49[A ]| kept, particularly over the stables, as at this time there was many bushrangers 104:235,50[A ]| and other desperadoes in$4$ the colony, who$6#1$ were quite bold enough to$9$ 104:235,51[A ]| make an attack on$4$ our quarters, and carry off our horses from under our very 104:235,52[A ]| noses, had the least carelessness on$4$ our part given them the necessary encouragement. 104:235,53[A ]| 104:235,54[A ]| I had been at head-quarters about a month, when, with eight other troopers, 104:235,55[A ]| I was despatched in$4$ all haste to$4$ a distant out-station ~~ which$6#1$ means an out-lying 104:235,56[A ]| post formed at some distance from a main station, as a kind of connecting 104:235,57[A ]| link between more distant points, but chiefly as a protection to$4$ the 104:235,58[A ]| squatters, who$6#1$, in$4$ these remote spots, were not only exposed to$4$ the open 104:235,59[A ]| ferocity of bushrangers, but also to$4$ the treacherous assaults of the aboriginal 104:235,60[A ]| natives. 104:235,61[A ]| The termination of our journey was a spot situate near the base of Mount*Koronth, 104:235,62[A ]| Marabool. 104:235,63[A ]| It was a lovely autumn morning, in$4$ the month of February, when we set 104:235,64[A ]| out on$4$ our journey along the Gardiner's*Creek road, and passing through 104:235,65[A ]| Prahran, then the tiniest of villages, gained the open bush beyond, and 104:235,66[A ]| headed for$4$ Gardiner's*Creek. 104:235,67[A ]| Crossing this, and leaving the Yarra*Yarra river (which$6#1$, by-the-bye, 104:235,68[A ]| in$4$ the aboriginal language signifies "flowing, flowing") on$4$ our left, we 104:235,69[A ]| passed over a patch of rising, sandy land, which$6#1$ formed a belt between the 104:235,70[A ]| river and a tract of sandy heath and shrub covered ground beyond; in$4$ traversing 104:235,71[A ]| which$6#1$ I noted several native cranberry bushes, together with many 104:235,72[A ]| species of dwarf acacia and wattles. Arrived at the end of this sandy tract, 104:235,73[A ]| we struck out in$4$ an easterly direction, crossed some clear running streams of 104:235,74[A ]| water ~~ all tributaries to$4$ the Yarra, whose banks were thickly covered with 104:235,75[A ]| sombre trees, and dotted with innumerable wild flowers. 104:235,76[A ]| At last the sun set behind the distant mountain tops, and we prepared to$9$ 104:235,77[A ]| camp for$4$ the night. We were about midway between Gardiner's and Babee*Jim 104:235,78[A ]| creeks, where the country was extremely rich, undulating, sparsely 104:235,79[A ]| timbered, but thickly grassed, and about four miles from the southern bank of 104:235,80[A ]| the river. 104:235,81[A ]| We accordingly hobbled our horses, lit a fire, made tea in$4$ our billies, baked 104:235,82[A ]| some damper in$4$ the embers, and sat down to$4$ our supper with light hearts 104:235,83[A ]| and keen appetites. 302:235,01[A ]| It will$1$ be as well here to$9$ introduce my readers to$4$ some of our company. 302:235,02[A ]| Next me, on$4$ my right, sat Bill*Mathews ~~ a stoutly made, muscular fellow, 302:235,03[A ]| of about twenty-eight: his hair was brown and lank, his face of a dull, 302:235,04[A ]| mercurial colour, perfectly beardless, with large grey eyes, one having a slight 302:235,05[A ]| squint. Although not possessing the apperance, he was nevertheless a gentleman, 302:235,06[A ]| his father being a clergyman and schoolmaster in$4$ England. Poor 302:235,07[A ]| Mathews had gone astray through a faulty home training; his father, ambitious 302:235,08[A ]| for$4$ a reputation for$4$ strict impartiality in$4$ his school, made a point of 302:235,09[A ]| treating his own son even more harshly, and punishing his boyish delinquencies 302:235,10[A ]| more severely, than those of his other pupils. From this, his son, 302:235,11[A ]| who$6#1$ was motherless, began to$9$ entertain the idea that$3$ his father disliked him, 302:235,12[A ]| and seizing an opportunity, he had run away to$4$ sea, worked his way to$4$ 302:235,13[A ]| Victoria as a cabin boy, and was now a trooper in$4$ the police. 302:235,14[A ]| The next man to$4$ him was George*Crawday, the son of a large coal and 302:235,15[A ]| iron mine proprietor in$4$ the midland counties of England, who$6#1$ was worth his 302:235,16[A ]| L*30000 a year, the owner of a palace, of thirty indoor servants, with twenty 302:235,17[A ]| saddle and carriage horses in$4$ his stable. This young man had been brought 302:235,18[A ]| up$5$ in$4$ the greatest luxury and comfort, but at twenty years of age he had 302:235,19[A ]| fallen in$4$ love with a beautiful but penniless girl, and to$9$ prevent a \9me=salliance\, 302:235,20[A ]| his father had banished him to$4$ the other end of the world, not even seeing 302:235,21[A ]| him ere he departed, nor making him any pecuniary allowance, lest on$4$ 302:235,22[A ]| coming of age he should have the wherewithal to$9$ return to$4$ England, and marry 302:235,23[A ]| the girl in$4$ spite of him. The young man in$4$ question was slightly formed, 302:235,24[A ]| and about five feet ten in$4$ height, dark, and good looking, with curly brown 302:235,25[A ]| hair, a well pointed moustache and imperial, and dark flashing eyes; he was 302:235,26[A ]| rather affected, and had an air of lassitude in$4$ all his movements, which$6#1$ was 302:235,27[A ]| partly assumed, and partly natural. 302:235,28[A ]| The third individual was a young Irish farmer, whose father, owing to$4$ an 302:235,29[A ]| increase in$4$ rent and pressure of creditors, had been turned out of his homestead, 302:235,30[A ]| and died in$4$ the Union. The son had come out as a free emigrant 302:235,31[A ]| along with his only sister. She was now a shop assistant in$4$ Melbourne, and 302:235,32[A ]| he was earning half-a-guinea a day and his prog in$4$ the force. 302:235,33[A ]| Next him reclined a handsome but somewhat \9blase=\ man, of gentlemanly bearing, 302:235,34[A ]| who$6#1$ was once a captain in$4$ a light infantry regiment, but who$6#1$ had been 302:235,35[A ]| cashiered from the army for$4$ gambling, and striking a superior officer. 302:235,36[A ]| Then came a fellow, who$6#1$ had been a whipper-in in$4$ England and a stock-driver 302:235,37[A ]| in$4$ New*South*Wales; he was the most brilliant rider I ever saw. 302:235,38[A ]| The sixth man was the most refined and highly educated of us all. Tall 302:235,39[A ]| and slight, but muscular and well made, he had been a fellow of Baliol*College, 302:235,40[A ]| Oxford, and, later still, a rising author in$4$ London. Wine and women had, 302:235,41[A ]| however, brought his funds so$5#1$ low that$3$ he had to$9$ come to$4$ the last 302:235,42[A ]| refuge of the destitute ~~ Victoria. 302:235,43[A ]| Beside him again was a man, with red whiskers and moustache, who$6#1$ was 302:235,44[A ]| the son of a leading physician in$4$ the West of England, who$6#1$, with a good 302:235,45[A ]| practice but large family, had only the means wherewith to$9$ give them all a 302:235,46[A ]| good education, a bible, and a blessing. This son had ever been wild and 302:235,47[A ]| wayward; at twenty he had in$4$ a drunken bout accepted the Queen's shilling, 302:235,48[A ]| and entered the army as a private, whence his relatives had to$9$ buy him out. 302:235,49[A ]| Then he persuaded his father to$9$ pay his passage to$4$ Australia, where, after 302:235,50[A ]| spending all his loose cash in$4$ debauchery and licentiousness at Sydney, he 302:235,51[A ]| had worked his passage to$4$ Melbourne, and there been taken into the force, 302:235,52[A ]| after successively failing in$4$ the aristocratic employments of selling oranges in$4$ 302:235,53[A ]| the theatre, crying fish in$4$ the streets, and breaking in$5$ horses at the Bazaar. 302:235,54[A ]| The last man of our little company was about forty years of age, tall and 302:235,55[A ]| dark, with hair slightly changing to$4$ grey; he was an old hand from Van*Dieman's*Land, 302:235,56[A ]| whither he had been transported for$4$ killing his man in$4$ a 302:235,57[A ]| duel. He had served seven years of his time, and was remitted the remainder 302:235,58[A ]| owing to$4$ most exemplary good conduct, and a friendly warning he once gave 302:235,59[A ]| the Government of a contemplated revolt amongst the convicts. It was owing 302:235,60[A ]| to$4$ the high character given him by$4$ the gaol governor and the chaplain that$3$ 302:235,61[A ]| he obtained admission into our ranks. He was now our leader. 302:235,62[A ]| Having thus described our little circle, it is time for$4$ me to$9$ resume my 302:235,63[A ]| narrative. After partaking heartily of our meal, we sat around the fire 302:235,64[A ]| smoking our short black pipes and spinning yarns, until the moon rose, 302:235,65[A ]| when, wrapping ourselves in$4$ our blankets and placing our saddles as pillows 302:235,67[A ]| we consigned ourselves to$4$ sleep. 302:235,67[A ]| Unaccustomed as I had hitherto been to$4$ camping out, I soon sunk into a 302:235,68[A ]| profound slumber, perhaps lulled thereto by$4$ the lonely cry of the mopoke or 302:235,69[A ]| native cuckoo, which$6#1$ only utters its low plaintive note at night, or by$4$ the soft 302:235,70[A ]| murmur of the warm east wind amid the tall branches of the gum and pencil 302:235,71[A ]| cedar trees that$6#1$ were thinly scattered around our camp. 302:235,72[A ]| I might have slept some two or three hours, when I was suddenly roused 302:235,73[A ]| from my slumbers by$4$ a rough hand shaking my arm, and another laid across 302:235,74[A ]| my mouth. 302:235,75@b | "Hush ~~ listen ~~ what do you make out that$6#2$ to$9$ be?" 302:235,75[A ]| whispered a voice in$4$ 302:235,76[A ]| my ear, which$6#1$ I recognised as belonging to$4$ Harry*O'Neil, the duellist. 302:235,77[A ]| I raised my head from the saddle, but it was so$5#1$ dark that$3$ I could see 302:235,78[A ]| nothing; the fire had burned down to$4$ a heap of red cinders, and only shed 302:235,79[A ]| dim light for$4$ a radius of about a yard, beyond which$6#1$ all was dense blackness. 302:235,80[A ]| 302:235,81[A ]| I listened, but the rustle of the wind was alone audible to$4$ my ears. 302:235,82@a | "What alarms you, O'Neil?" 302:235,82[A ]| I asked in$4$ a low voice, 302:235,82@a | "I hear nothing." 302:235,83@b | "But I do: there again, surely you heard that$6#2$!" 302:235,84@a | "Of course I did, it is the cry of the mopoke; you surely are not frightened of 302:235,85@a | a cuckoo," 302:235,85[A ]| I responded, scarcely able to$9$ refrain from laughing aloud, for$3$ the 302:235,86[A ]| cry was so$5#1$ familiar that$3$ I could not imagine anyone mistaking it. 302:235,87@b | "Not at a cuckoo, my friend; but when you are as old a bushman as 302:235,88@b | myself you will$1$ know the real from the sham, the dove from the hawk. That$6#2$ 302:235,89@b | is no$2$ mopoke, it is the signal of the black fellows." 104:236,01@a | "The deuce it is," 104:236,01[A ]| I ejaculated, feeling for$4$ my revolver; 104:236,01@a | "do you think 104:236,02@a | they will$1$ attack us?" 104:236,03@b | "Not they; but they will$1$ steal our horses, that$6#2$ is what they are up$5$ to$4$ now." 104:236,04@a | "You mean if we let them," 104:236,04[A ]| I said. 104:236,05@b | "We shall find it a difficult matter to$9$ prevent them, mate," 104:236,05[A ]| was the retort. 104:236,06@b | "These savages can see by$4$ night as well as by$4$ day, when I can not distinguish 104:236,07@b | your head from your heels, although you are touching me. However, let us 104:236,08@b | wake our comrades." 104:236,09[A ]| This was done in$4$ a minute, for$3$ they lay so$5#1$ close together with their feet 104:236,10[A ]| turned towards the fire, that$3$, like$4$ spokes in$4$ a wheel, you had only to$9$ describe 104:236,11[A ]| a circle, and you would not miss one. 104:236,12[A ]| As silently as possible they were all aroused from their slumbers, and a 104:236,13[A ]| council of war was hastily held. 104:236,14@w | "Throw some logs on$4$ the fire, let us see what we are about," 104:236,14[A ]| said one, but 104:236,15[A ]| all our wood was already burnt, and we had no$2$ time to$9$ cut more. 104:236,16@w | "Listen, mates, that$3$ we may learn in$4$ which$6#1$ direction our horses are," 104:236,17[A ]| whispered another. 104:236,18[A ]| We did listen, but could not hear anything but the wind, and once more 104:236,19[A ]| the cry of the false mopoke. 104:236,20@w | "Let us fire our revolvers, it will$1$ show the fellows how many we are, and 104:236,21@w | frighten them away," 104:236,21[A ]| said Bill*Mathews. 104:236,22@w | "It will$1$ tell them exactly how many horses there are to$9$ steal, and not 104:236,23@w | frighten them a bit, for$3$ the very act will$1$ show that$3$ we do not know where they 104:236,24@w | are," 104:236,24[A ]| said Crawley. 104:236,25@a | "I have it!" 104:236,25[A ]| I exclaimed, as an idea struck me. 104:236,25@a | "Does any mate's horses 104:236,26@a | know his whistle?" 104:236,27[A ]| Not one had taught his charger that$6#2$ branch of elementary education. 104:236,28@a | "Then mine does," 104:236,28[A ]| I continued, 104:236,28@a | "and I will$1$ show you a way to$9$ save our 104:236,29@a | horses yet." 104:236,30[A ]| As I spoke, I gave a long shrill whistle, and within a couple of minutes 104:236,31[A ]| after, the sound of hoofstrokes was audible, and presently my handsome 104:236,32[A ]| black charger galloped up$5$ to$4$ the camp as well as his hobbles would allow 104:236,33[A ]| him. 104:236,34@x | "Well, you have got yours, Frank, but how the deuce will$1$ we get ours?" 104:236,35@w | "Easily enough," 104:236,35[A ]| said Crawday; 104:236,35@w | "Frank's horse came easterly, we have 104:236,36@w | but to$9$ go in$4$ the same direction; for$3$ as horses always keep together at night, 104:236,37@w | we shall necessarily find them." 104:236,38@a | "I have a better dodge than that$6#2$, my boys," 104:236,38[A ]| said I, as I carefully saddled 104:236,39[A ]| my nag, and secured every strap and chain so$3$ that$3$ they should not jingle; 104:236,39@a | "I am 104:236,40@a | going alone after the horses; my animal, if left to$4$ his own guidance, will$1$ 104:236,41@a | naturally regain his fellows, who$6#1$ are, without doubt, under the same instinct 104:236,42@a | making their way towards us. If they are not surrounded by$4$ the blackfellows, 104:236,43@a | I will$1$ bring them, never fear, for$3$ they will$1$ all follow me when I 104:236,44@a | wheel round. If, however, their return is cut off, a pistol or cooey will$1$ tell 104:236,45@a | you where I am, and we shall have to$9$ obtain them by$4$ force." 104:236,46@x | "All right, old fellow, go ahead," 104:236,46[A ]| and with this parting greeting I mounted 104:236,47[A ]| and rode forth into the darkness. 104:236,48[A ]| In$4$ spite of the readiness of my proposition, I now felt decidedly uncomfortable, 104:236,49[A ]| as, with the reins lying on$4$ my horse's neck, so$3$ that$3$ he should follow 104:236,50[A ]| his own course, every moment took me further into the lone bush, and more 104:236,51[A ]| distant from the dull red spot that$6#1$ marked the smouldering camp fire. It was 104:236,52[A ]| so$5#1$ dark that$3$ I could not see my charger's head before me, but I knew full 104:236,53[A ]| well that$3$ the keener eye of a blackfellow could discover and distinguish 104:236,54[A ]| objects several yards distant from him on$4$ such a night, so$3$ that$3$ I should be 104:236,55[A ]| perfectly at the mercy of their spears and boomerangs, while they would be 104:236,56[A ]| as safe from my pistols as if they were in$4$ the clouds. 104:236,57[A ]| These thoughts had scarcely occurred to$4$ me when my horse gave a shrill 104:236,58[A ]| neigh ~~ a sure token of man or beast in$4$ close proximity ~~ the next moment a 104:236,59[A ]| shiver that$6#1$ ran through him told me of the proximity of the blacks. 104:236,60[A ]| A touch of the spur reassured my steed, and bending forward I rode on$5$ with 104:236,61[A ]| my head nearly under his neck, in$4$ which$6#1$ position my uniform being dark, 104:236,62[A ]| and my horse black, I trusted to$9$ escape observation. 104:236,63[A ]| Above the low murmur of the wind, I thought I could distinguish the 104:236,64[A ]| muttered \yabber*yabber\ of the savages, and I was ignorant then, as indeed 104:236,65[A ]| were most of us, of the general cowardice and harmlessness of these half 104:236,66[A ]| naked sons of the soil, and of the fact that$3$ larger bands of them than a round 104:236,67[A ]| dozen or so$5#2$, were rarely to$9$ be met with. 104:236,68[A ]| Still, on$5$ I rode. I conjectured that$3$ I must already have left the camp 104:236,69[A ]| a good half-mile in$4$ the rear, when the faint rattle of chains, and the neigh of 104:236,70[A ]| a horse, which$6#1$ was cheerfully answered by$4$ the animal I bestrode, told me that$3$ 104:236,71[A ]| we were close upon$4$ the missing animals. By$4$ the sound of their hoof-strokes 104:236,72[A ]| I could tell that$3$ they were advancing towards me, and drawing in$5$ my 104:236,73[A ]| steed, I waited until I conjectured they were close by$5$, and then wheeling him 104:236,74[A ]| round, campwards, knowing them would follow, commenced the return route. 104:236,75[A ]| We had not gone far, however, I still preserving my almost horizontal position 104:236,76[A ]| in$4$ the saddle, when the quick jerking jabber of the blacks, (this time 104:236,77[A ]| distinct enough,) again fell on$4$ my ear. I could distinguish the patter of 104:236,78[A ]| human naked feet around me, how many I could not guess, and as for$4$ the use 104:236,79[A ]| of my eyes, I could not even see my pistol holsters. 104:236,80[A ]| By$4$ the cries of the blacks, I conjectured that$3$ they had surrounded the horses 104:236,81[A ]| in$4$ a circle, and were in$4$ the act of seizing upon$4$ them. It was plain they had 104:236,82[A ]| not discovered me yet, and what course to$9$ take in$4$ the emergency, I had 104:236,83[A ]| not the slightest conception. 104:236,84[A ]| Suddenly I felt a hand laid upon$4$ the neck of my horse, and then there was 104:236,85[A ]| a sharp cry of surprise as it came in$4$ contact with the bridle. 302:236,01[A ]| That$6#2$ cry was repeated in$4$ a still shriller tone, when sliding my hand along 302:236,02[A ]| the rein, I laid hold of the fellow's wrist, and by$4$ sheer strength of arm, 302:236,03[A ]| lifted him from the ground, and threw him across my horse in$4$ front 302:236,04[A ]| of me; then firing a barrel of my revolver into the darkness, shoutina as 302:236,05[A ]| I did so$5#2$, 302:236,05@a | "cut it you rascals, here are twenty of us, run, or we will$1$ shoot every 302:236,06@a | one of you." 302:236,07[A ]| My words had talismanic effect. I could hear the blackfellows scampering 302:236,08[A ]| away in$4$ every direction. One only of their number ventured to$9$ give me 302:236,09[A ]| a parting salutation, which$6#1$ came in$4$ the shape of a stout wooden spear 302:236,10[A ]| that$6#1$ whizzed by$5$ within an inch of my nose, with anything but a pleasing 302:236,11[A ]| effect. 302:236,12[A ]| It did not, however, confuse me so$5#1$ much as to$9$ make me let go my captive. 302:236,13[A ]| In$4$ spite of all his struggles I held him tightly, and when, a quarter of an hour 302:236,14[A ]| later, I was again seated around our now replenished camp fire, with our good 302:236,15[A ]| nags, (not one missing) close by$4$ us, and the blackfellow in$4$ our midst, loud 302:236,16[A ]| and boisterous was our merriment, and many were the queries of what 302:236,17[A ]| we should do with our unexpected sable guest. 302:236,18[A ]| One or two proposed to$9$ hang him then and there; but it ended with his 302:236,19[A ]| being simply kicked out of the camp. 302:236,20[A ]| We now composed ourselves again for$4$ sleep, but our slumbers were short; 302:236,21[A ]| in$4$ a couple of hours or so$5#2$ morn broke, and there was a repetition of the billy 302:236,22[A ]| and the damper, after which$6#1$ the cry was 302:236,22@x | "boot and saddle," 302:236,22[A ]| and we 302:236,23[A ]| again resumed our march. 302:236,24[A ]| It was a lovely morning, and all nature looked calm and beautiful; our 302:236,25[A ]| route lay over a gently undulating country, well grassed and watered, dotted 302:236,26[A ]| thinly, and in$4$ park-like clumps, with the graceful pencil cedar, mingled with 302:236,27[A ]| dogwood, and in$4$ the vicinity of the creek with native walnut trees; while 302:236,28[A ]| the strongly scented wattle blossoms filled the air with fragrance, and 302:236,29[A ]| the low rich notes of the thrush, the sweet warble of the magpie, and 302:236,30[A ]| the boisterous cadence of the laughing jackass, reverberated through the 302:236,31[A ]| still air. 302:236,32[A ]| Our destination was close at the foot of Mount*Koronth, Marabool, which$6#1$ 302:236,33[A ]| is a hill rather than a mountain, standing apart from the main range. 302:236,34[A ]| We halted for$4$ refreshments about midday, on$4$ the margin of the Babee*Jim*Creek, 302:236,35[A ]| whose banks were then nearly carpeted with wild flowers of the richest 302:236,36[A ]| hues, but, with one or two rare exceptions, affording no$2$ perfume. Above them, 302:236,37[A ]| here and there, cropped up$5$ picturesque rocks of bluestone. 302:236,38[A ]| Amongst these flowers, I noticed the brilliant tints of the clematis and 302:236,39[A ]| ranunculus, with the creamy petals of the dwarf Banksia or native honey-suckle. 302:236,40[A ]| 302:236,41[A ]| While camping here, we enjoyed the luxury of a bath in$4$ the clear sparkling 302:236,42[A ]| vales of the creek, and seeing some fine fish in$4$ the shallows, two or three of 302:236,43[A ]| us got our swords and had the luck to$9$ spear some, which$6#1$ we boiled in$4$ 302:236,44[A ]| our billies, and they made a very savoury meal. 302:236,45[A ]| After this, we took our siesta in$4$ the shadow of the trees, for$3$ the day was 302:236,46[A ]| very hot, and after a couple of hours rest ~~ the mosquitoes were too active to$9$ 302:236,47[A ]| let us sleep ~~ we again saddled our horses and resumed our march. 302:236,48[A ]| After five hours quick travelling we arrived at our destination, which$6#1$ was 302:236,49[A ]| at the base of the mountain, near a small brook, whose banks were thickly 302:236,50[A ]| covered with the tree fern. At the rear of the station, was a perfect forest of 302:236,51[A ]| these fern trees. 302:236,52[A ]| Glad were we that$6#2$ night when we had stabled and littered our horses and sat 302:236,53[A ]| down to$4$ supper. 302:236,54[A ]| It is time to$9$ explain to$4$ my readers the object of our journey to$4$ this remote 302:236,55[A ]| spot. I have already mentioned the general purpose of an out*station: 302:236,56[A ]| this particular one had hitherto been occupied only by$4$ a mounted trooper, and 302:236,57[A ]| a foot constable; but they could not be everywhere at once, and the recent depredations 302:236,58[A ]| of a band of bushrangers on$4$ the neighbouring stations, whose 302:236,59[A ]| owners were living in$4$ daily danger of their lives, together with a stray murder 302:236,60[A ]| occasionally by$4$ the blacks, made a stronger force at that$6#2$ spot a matter 302:236,61[A ]| of urgent necessity. 302:236,62[A ]| We were all in$4$ high spirits at the chance of active service, and yet for$4$ 302:236,63[A ]| a whole fortnight after our arrival at the station, we never succeeded in$4$ effecting 302:236,64[A ]| a single capture. This was disheartening enough; but what exasperated 302:236,65[A ]| us to$4$ madness was the fact, that$3$ the bushrangers avoided our presence, 302:236,66[A ]| succeeded in$4$ levying black*mail with as great success as before our arrival; 302:236,67[A ]| stations were still attacked, and people bailed up$5$; one squatter being 302:236,68[A ]| stopped and robbed within a few hundred yards of our quarters. 302:236,69@b | "Well, boys, this will$1$ never do!" 302:236,69[A ]| said O'Neil the duellist, in$4$ a tone of despair, 302:236,70[A ]| on$4$ the fifteeth evening after our arrival. 302:236,70@b | "I will$1$ tell you what, we must come 302:236,71@b | the bushrangers ourselves, as far as togs go; I mean we must nab the villains 302:236,72@b | by$4$ cunning, if we can not capture them openly, and I am going to$9$ set the example 302:236,73@b | this very night." 302:236,74[A ]| O'Neil was as good as his word; but the only result was, that$3$ he got shot at 302:236,75[A ]| by$4$ a stockdriver of a neighbouring run, who$6#1$ took him to$9$ be what he 302:236,76[A ]| personated, and popped one ball through the nap of his hat, and another 302:236,77[A ]| through his horse's ear, so$3$ O'Neil returned more chagrined and ill-tempered 302:236,78[A ]| than he had set out. 302:236,79[A ]| In$4$ spite of this untoward opening of the game, the idea became popular 302:236,80[A ]| amongst us, and after that$6#2$ evening, in$4$ ones and twos, many of us used to$9$ come 302:236,81[A ]| the bush toilet; and billy-cock or cabbage-tree hats, blue or red serge shirts 302:236,82[A ]| moleskin pants, and heavy riding boots, with blankets rolled up$5$ and strapped 302:236,83[A ]| in$4$ front of our saddles, so$3$ as to$9$ conceal the holster flaps, our revolvers stuck 302:236,84[A ]| in$4$ our belts, and our faces as innocent of shaving as though Mappin's shilling 302:236,85[A ]| razor were a thing unknown; we soon looked more veritable knights 302:236,86[A ]| of the road than perhaps many \7bona*fide\ bushrangers would have done. 302:236,87[A ]| Still we were unsuccessful, all of us, at least, with the exception of Captain*Cunningham, 302:236,88[A ]| as we called him in$4$ commemoration of his former position. 302:236,89[A ]| He had been singularly fortunate, having by$4$ his own account once beaten off 104:237,01[A ]| three ruffians who$6#1$ attacked him, and on$4$ another occasion shot one in$4$ the bush; 104:237,02[A ]| but who$6#1$, not being mortally wounded, managed to$9$ get away, conceal himself, 104:237,03[A ]| and could not be found. 104:237,04[A ]| These narratives of the captain excited us unlucky hands until we were 104:237,05[A ]| nearly wild, and one evening we got up$5$ a handicap of a fiver round, to$9$ 104:237,06[A ]| be taken up$5$ by$4$ him who$6#1$ made the first veritable capture, and brought his 104:237,07[A ]| prisoner to$4$ the station. 104:237,08[A ]| It was the third evening after this that$3$ I was donning my bush attire, and 104:237,09[A ]| in$4$ rummaging over my valise I discovered an immense false beard, or rather 104:237,10[A ]| beard, moustache, and whiskers combined (one of those kind that$6#1$ fasten over 104:237,11[A ]| the ears with wires). The hair was red, and I recollected having bought it 104:237,12[A ]| in$4$ Melbourne to$9$ attend a masquerade. 104:237,13[A ]| The idea came into my head that$3$ it would be good fun to$9$ wear it, so$3$ I 104:237,14[A ]| clapped it on$5$, completed my toilet, and made my way to$4$ the stables. 104:237,15[A ]| Pretty fun my appeance caused amongst such of my mates as were at the 104:237,16[A ]| station, but I was anxious to$9$ get away, for$3$ something whispered in$4$ my ear 104:237,17[A ]| that$3$ an adventure awaited me; so$3$, learning that$3$ the captain and Bill*Mathews 104:237,18[A ]| had ridden out, and the direction they had taken, I determined to$9$ 104:237,19[A ]| strike into a contrary track, and giving my horse the spur, I was soon out of 104:237,20[A ]| sight of the station, and skirting the fern-tree wood that$6#1$ stood in$4$ its rear. 104:237,21[A ]| It was a lovely night, the moon being about a fortnight old, and the whole 104:237,22[A ]| sky was studded with its myriad stars, seeming like$4$ a million diamonds 104:237,23[A ]| sparkling from a shroud; amongst them, with brighter lustre than the rest, 104:237,24[A ]| shone the five fixed stars that$6#1$ form the constellation of the "Southern*Cross." 104:237,25[A ]| The smallest star of the group I chose to$9$ guide my course by$5$, and 104:237,26[A ]| for$4$ a while rode on$5$ in$4$ silence, for$3$ the stillness of the night was conducive to$4$ 104:237,27[A ]| thought. 104:237,28[A ]| At length my attention was attracted by$4$ a tiny spark of fire, a little way 104:237,29[A ]| within the bush, on$4$ the left of me; it was just such as would be produced by$4$ 104:237,30[A ]| a pipe, and I soon came to$4$ the conclusion that$3$ if it was a pipe, there must be 104:237,31[A ]| a smoker at the other end of it. 104:237,32[A ]| I therefore took a pistol from my belt, cocked it, examined the caps, and 104:237,33[A ]| rode towards the smoker. 104:237,34@a | It might be a mate; if so$5#2$, we should know each other by$4$ the colour of the 104:237,35@a | ribbon in$4$ our hats; but it might be a bushranger, then there was a fair field 104:237,36@a | and no$2$ favour. 104:237,37[A ]| Such were my reflections as I neared the fellow, walking my horse, but 104:237,38[A ]| having the reins well in$4$ hand, in$4$ case I should come upon$4$ a covey of 104:237,39[A ]| them. 104:237,40[A ]| In$4$ the soft grass my charger's feet made little sound, so$3$ that$3$ I was close 104:237,41[A ]| upon$4$ my worthy before he noted my approach. He was lying on$4$ the grass, 104:237,42[A ]| with the rein of his horse ~~ that$6#1$ was quietly cropping the short, sweet 104:237,43[A ]| grass ~~ passed over the arm which$6#1$ supported his head. His face I could not 104:237,44[A ]| see, for$3$ the shadow of the bush scrub shaded it, but he was a tall, strongly 104:237,45[A ]| made fellow, and two six-barreled revolvers and a bowie-knife ornamented 104:237,46[A ]| his belt. 104:237,47@a | "Wake up$5$, friend! Who$6#2$ are you? ~~ and what brings you here?" 104:237,47[A ]| I 104:237,48[A ]| shouted, when I was within about a dozen yards of him. 104:237,49[A ]| The fellow started from his recumbent position, and as his astonished 104:237,50[A ]| gaze fell on$4$ me, the moon revealed his countenance, and I recognized the 104:237,51[A ]| features of Captain*Cunningham. Such an absurd expression of terror I 104:237,52[A ]| never before saw depicted on$4$ the face of any man, his teeth seemed to$9$ chatter 104:237,53[A ]| in$4$ his head, his eyes to$9$ start out of their sockets. 104:237,54@a | "There is the brave shooter of bushrangers," 104:237,54[A ]| thought I to$4$ myself, so$3$ I 104:237,55[A ]| refrained from disclosing myself, as I had at first intended, and determined 104:237,56[A ]| to$9$ frighten him still more, as a punishment for$4$ his bombast and cowardice. 104:237,57@a | "Answer me quickly, fellow, or I will$1$ send a ball through your head," 104:237,57[A ]| I 104:237,58[A ]| called again. 104:237,59[A ]| Still no$2$ answer came ~~ the captain appeared petrified with fear. 104:237,60@a | "Come nearer and show your face. I have a notion you are one of them cursed 104:237,61@a | traps at the station; if you are, I will$1$ shoot you first and roast you afterwards, 104:237,62@a | as sure as my name is Ned*Rowley, for$3$ I have sworn to$9$ kill every mother's son 104:237,63@a | of them." 104:237,64[A ]| The utterance of this threat, and the mention of the name of the most 104:237,65[A ]| noted and savage bushranger of the day, completed the captain's confusion. 104:237,66[A ]| He sprang to$4$ his feet, and actually uttered a cry like$4$ that$6#2$ of a hunted wolf as 104:237,67[A ]| he bounded into the saddle and galloped away for$4$ dear life. 104:237,68[A ]| Bursting with suppressed laughter, I discharged a barrel of my revolver 104:237,69[A ]| after him to$9$ increase his alarm, and started off in$4$ hot pursuit. 104:237,70[A ]| To$9$ give the captain his due, he rode well, and we were both about equally 104:237,71[A ]| mounted. We were clear of the scrub in$4$ a minute, and for$4$ more than twenty 104:237,72[A ]| miles right ahead lay a gentle undulating country, thinly wooded and lightly 104:237,73[A ]| grassed, over which$6#1$ the hunt would become a race. 104:237,74[A ]| I had no$2$ wish to$9$ catch the runaway at once, however, for$3$ I felt much the 104:237,75[A ]| same as a cat does with a mouse, a vindictive pleasure in$4$ prolonging his 104:237,76[A ]| sufferings to$4$ the greatest possible extent, so$3$ I kept every now and then 104:237,77[A ]| popping off my pistols after him; of course taking care to$9$ aim pretty wide 104:237,78[A ]| of the mark, and yet near enough for$4$ him to$4$ hear the hiss of the balls as they 104:237,79[A ]| passed him. 104:237,80[A ]| In$4$ doing this I nearly put my foot into it. The captain had presence of 104:237,81[A ]| mind enough to$9$ guess that$3$ I had only two revolvers, and he knew that$3$ each 104:237,82[A ]| of them could only number six barrels; he, therefore, must have counted the 104:237,83[A ]| shots, for$3$ when I fired my last charge, he drew in$5$ his horse, turned in$4$ the 104:237,84[A ]| saddle, and fired six shots at me in$4$ rapid succession. 104:237,85[A ]| Luckily the trembling of his hand caused all the balls to$9$ fly pretty wide of 104:237,86[A ]| me, and seeing me clap my hand to$4$ my holster, as though for$4$ another pistol, 104:237,87[A ]| he again wheeled round and resumed his flight; whilst I, remembering that$3$ 104:237,88[A ]| he had still six barrels in$4$ reserve, loaded my own barkers as I gallopped on$5$. 104:237,89[A ]| I could now see that$3$ the fugitive was leading for$4$ Alla-Mannin station, 104:237,01[A ]| the property of Mr%*West, doubtless with the intention of seeking refuge at 104:237,02[A ]| the homestead, and I resolved to$9$ come up$5$ with him before he gained that$6#2$ 104:237,03[A ]| haven. 104:237,04[A ]| On$5$ ~~ on$5$ we dashed, my black steed was already thickly covered with snowy 104:237,05[A ]| foam bells, but I had not yet once touched him with the spur. In$4$ the clear 104:237,06[A ]| moonlight I could see, however, by$4$ the heaving flanks and irregular stride of 104:237,07[A ]| the captain's bay mare that$3$ the pace was telling upon$4$ her terribly. 104:237,08[A ]| At this juncture, Cunningham perceived directly before him a wide ditch, 104:237,09[A ]| one of those deep gullies that$6#1$ are cut through the soft sandy plain during the 104:237,10[A ]| wet season by$4$ the turbulent streams running down from the ranges, and 104:237,11[A ]| which$6#1$ are often nine or ten feet in$4$ depth, and even width. The next 104:237,12[A ]| moment he had put his tired horse straight at it, and the consequence was 104:237,13[A ]| that$3$ the animal leapt short, and full into the gully. 104:237,14[A ]| Cunningham was deposited roughly on$4$ his back in$4$ two feet of water, but the 104:237,15[A ]| animal shook him off, and scrambled up$4$ the opposite bank, while its 104:237,16[A ]| master staggered to$4$ his feet and confronted me. 104:237,17@a | "Make a movement to$9$ escape and you die," 104:237,17[A ]| I cried, covering him with 104:237,18[A ]| my pistol. 104:237,19[A ]| An old proverb says in$4$ effect what when at bay and escape impossible, even 104:237,20[A ]| cowards are brave. Captain*Cunningham was, however, an exception to$4$ the 104:237,21[A ]| rule. Although he had a loaded weapon, he did not dare to$9$ draw it, but 104:237,22[A ]| threw himself upon$4$ his knees in$4$ the centre of the stream, and with tears in$4$ 104:237,23[A ]| his eyes, begged piteously for$4$ his life. 104:237,24@a | "It is granted on$4$ one condition," 104:237,24[A ]| I said sternly. 104:237,24@a | "Listen to$4$ me; I know 104:237,25@a | you, you are a trap in$4$ disguise, your name is Albert*Cunningham; now my 104:237,26@a | mates have sworn that$3$ not a trap shall live who$6#1$ meddles with our doings. 104:237,27@a | We are six of us, there are nine of you; the price of your life is that$3$ you lead 104:237,28@a | your companions into an ambush that$6#1$ I shall plan, when we can shoot them 104:237,29@a | down at our ease." 104:237,30@c | "Agreed," 104:237,30[A ]| exclaimed Cunningham eagerly, 104:237,30@c | "but the job is cheap at the 104:237,31@c | price." 104:237,32@a | "What more do you require?" 104:237,32[A ]| I asked. 104:237,33@c | "Five pounds a head for$4$ the men, and half the valuables they have on$4$ 104:237,34@c | their persons, with admission amongst your company afterwards." 104:237,35@a | "And what should we do with a coward?" 104:237,35[A ]| I asked contemptuously; 104:237,35@a | "besides, 104:237,36@a | I can not trust you, I recant my offer, you must die." 104:237,37@c | "No$7$ ~~ no$7$ ~~ mercy, for$4$ God's sake, mercy." 104:237,38@a | "Such mercy as you would show to$4$ your mates; a man who$6#1$ would betray 104:237,39@a | his own companions might prove false to$4$ me. When I count thrice I fire ~~ 104:237,40@a | once ~~. " 104:237,41[A ]| I took aim, and then the awful shriek of agony, the curses, the prayers, 104:237,42[A ]| that$6#1$ rose from that$6#2$ gully were indeed terrific. How long I should have kept 104:237,43[A ]| him in$4$ that$6#2$ state of terror I know not, for$3$ my heart was steeled against him; 104:237,44[A ]| but the neigh of a horse caused me to$9$ look round, and to$4$ my surprise, I saw 104:237,45[A ]| Mathews, Crawday, and O'Neil, almost at my elbow. 104:237,46@b | "Do not apologise," 104:237,46[A ]| said the latter, turning to$4$ me, 104:237,46@b | "we have heard it all; 104:237,47@b | you were so$5#1$ engrossed with your joke that$3$ you did not hear our gallop over 104:237,48@b | the grass. Luckily for$4$ you I saw you in$4$ your false whiskers before you left 104:237,49@b | the station, or we should have shot you down as a regular bushranger, and 104:237,50@b | the ribbon badge not on$4$ your cap either;" 104:237,50[A ]| then riding to$4$ the edge of the 104:237,51[A ]| gully, and revealing himself to$4$ the astounded captain, he continued in$4$ a tone of 104:237,52[A ]| haughty irony, 104:237,52@b | "Mr%*Cunningham, you have been taught a lesson, we can not 104:237,53@b | have cowards, leave alone traitors in$4$ our force. I must request that$3$ you do 104:237,54@b | not put in$5$ an appearance at the station again. Come gentlemen," 104:237,54[A ]| and we 104:237,55[A ]| turned our horse's heads homeward. 104:237,56[A ]| Captain*Cunningham we never saw nor heard of more, but his horse was 104:237,57[A ]| safe in$4$ the stable before our arrival. 104:237,58[A ]| ~~ ~~ ~~ 104:237,59[A ]| If any moral can be gathered from these pages, it is this: ~~ \Never to$9$ make\ 104:237,60[A ]| \a boast of that$6#2$ quality or nature which$6#1$ may at any hour be weighed in$4$ the\ 104:237,61[A ]| \scales, and found wanting.\ 105:248,00@@@@@| 105:248,01[' ]| 105:248,02[A ]| It was about a week after Shrove*Tuesday, in$4$ the year 1852, I really 105:248,03[A ]| forget in$4$ what month, but its near proximity to$4$ the day named is imprinted 105:248,04[A ]| on$4$ my memory, from the miserable failure we troopers of the V%*P% made in$4$ 105:248,05[A ]| our attempt to$9$ concoct a dish of pancakes for$4$ dinner, out of the very limited 105:248,06[A ]| means of flour, sugar, lime juice, and wild ducks' eggs, with the lid of a billy 105:248,07[A ]| for$4$ a frying pan. 105:248,08[A ]| Never shall I forget O'Neil, our captain's look of dismay as he dished one 105:248,09[A ]| of the whitey brown leather looking concerns with his ramrod, and attempted 105:248,10[A ]| to$9$ masticate a portion. Suffice it to$9$ say that$3$ the taste resembled sodden 105:248,11[A ]| leather fried in$4$ lemon juice, with a remote flavour of stewed tripe; none of 105:248,12[A ]| us could eat it, and Mathews' large kangaroo hound alone benefited by$4$ the 105:248,13[A ]| efforts of our \9chef*de*cuisine\. 105:248,14[A ]| To$9$ return to$4$ my tale. 105:248,15[A ]| It was evening, and the weather was very chilly. I was alone in$4$ the log 105:248,16[A ]| hut which$6#1$ formed our out-station at the base of Mount*Koronth, all my 105:248,17[A ]| \9confreres\ were on$4$ duty, hunting for$4$ those it seemed they would never find, 105:248,18[A ]| the rascally bushrangers. I had built a jolly good fire, and while I enjoyed 105:248,19[A ]| its genial warmth and cheering blaze, I amused myself by$4$ polishing up$5$ my 105:248,20[A ]| accoutrements and cleaning my revolvers, alternately smoking and whistling 105:248,21[A ]| for$4$ mere want of thought. 105:248,22[A ]| Suddenly, above the murmur of the wind amid the fern branches and the 105:248,23[A ]| lone cry of the wild fowl from the neighbouring swamp, I thought I could 105:248,24[A ]| distinguish the gallop of a horse in$4$ the distance. My suspicions soon changed 105:248,25[A ]| into certainty; it was the dull thud of a horse's hoofstrokes on$4$ the grass, and 105:248,26[A ]| there was no$2$ doubt whatever but that$3$ its rider was urging it at a terrible 105:248,27[A ]| pace towards the station. 105:248,28[A ]| I knew it could be none of our men, they would never ride their horses to$4$ 105:248,29[A ]| stable in$4$ that$6#2$ blown and heated manner, so$3$ buttoning up$5$ my uniform and 105:248,30[A ]| seizing my shako, I was about to$9$ make for$4$ the door to$9$ see what I could 105:248,31[A ]| make of it, but before I could open it, the rider, whoever he might be, had 105:248,32[A ]| gained the station, and was hammering away with a riding whip against the 105:248,33[A ]| door right lustily, while at the same time a terrified voice cried 105:248,33@b | "Open! open! 105:248,34@b | for$4$ heaven's sake, open!" 105:248,35[A ]| I was not long in$4$ obeying that$6#2$ urgent behest, and great was my surprise at 105:248,36[A ]| beholding a young girl standing on$4$ the threshold; her head was uncovered, 105:248,37[A ]| and her long golden hair streamed over her shoulders and fell in$4$ rich 105:248,38[A ]| tresses even below her waist. 105:248,39[A ]| In$4$ one hand she grasped tightly her little silver-headed riding whip, in$4$ 105:248,40[A ]| the other she held the reins of a large bay stock-horse, whose foam flecked 105:248,41[A ]| sides and quivering nostrils told plainly of the speed at which$6#1$ he had been 105:248,42[A ]| ridden. 105:248,43[A ]| I was too scared for$4$ a minute at the sight of this unexpected and beautiful 105:248,44[A ]| apparition to$9$ find words wherewith to$9$ address her, but I slipped the rein of 105:248,45[A ]| her horse through the ring of the door-post, and motioned to$4$ her to$9$ go in$5$ and 105:248,46[A ]| warm herself by$4$ the fire, whither in$4$ another instant I followed her. 105:248,47[A ]| If my ideas regarding the beauty of my young lady visitor were in$4$ any way 105:248,48[A ]| confused upon$4$ my first beholding her beneath the pale moonlight, they became 105:248,49[A ]| fully settled when upon$4$ re-entering the house, the light of the huge fire, 105:248,50[A ]| and the flickering flame of the lamp, fully revealed the almost heavenly beauty 105:248,51[A ]| of her countenance, and the graceful outlines of her statuesque form. I now 105:248,52[A ]| recognised her as the only daughter and heiress of Mr%*George*Martin, the 105:248,53[A ]| owner of Cambromatta station, and the richest squatter for$4$ a circle of fifty 105:248,54[A ]| miles around. 105:248,55[A ]| I had seen Gertrude*Martin once before; she had been pointed out to$4$ me 105:248,56[A ]| at a kangaroo hunt by$4$ O'Neil of ours, and I had gazed with surprise and 105:248,57[A ]| almost awe at this lovely southern amazon as by$4$ her father's side she leapt 105:248,58[A ]| her blood horse over every obstacle with as firm a seat in$4$ the saddle and as 105:248,59[A ]| light a hand on$4$ the reins as a very Nimrod. 105:248,60[A ]| Miss*Martin must have been about eighteen years of age, but she was tall 105:248,61[A ]| and her figure perfectly moulded; the sweeping outline of limb, the ivory 105:248,62[A ]| throat, sloping shoulders, swelling bust and taper little waist were worthy of 105:248,63[A ]| a very Venus*de*Medici, while her dazzling complexion, snowy brow, bright 105:248,64[A ]| laughing blue eyes fringed with the longest golden lashes, her arched 105:248,65[A ]| brows, \9petite\ coral lips, pearly rows of teeth, and, above all, the arch dimpled 105:248,66[A ]| little chin and the richness of her glossy hair that$6#1$ flowed like$4$ a cloud 105:248,67[A ]| of golden glory around her, composed a host of charms which$6#1$, had they been 105:248,68[A ]| transferable to$4$ canvas, instead of blooming unseen amidst the wilds of 105:248,69[A ]| Australia, would have immortalized their possessor. 105:248,70[A ]| Her features at present, however, bore an expression of excitement and impatience; 105:248,71[A ]| her face was very pale, there were scratches on$4$ her face and hands, 105:248,72[A ]| she wore no$2$ riding habit but a rich evening silk dress, which$6#1$ was torn and 105:248,73[A ]| splashed with mud; still whatever was the occasion of this disordered attire 105:248,74[A ]| and wild night ride, there was no$2$ sign of terror in$4$ her countenance, but on$4$ 105:248,75[A ]| the contrary, her eyes, usually so$5#1$ soft and dove-like, now flashed with anger 105:248,76[A ]| and indignation, and her voice, generally so$5#1$ musical and soft, was firm and 105:248,77[A ]| haughty as she said, 105:248,77@b | "I dare say my appearance astonishes you, sir, but my 105:248,78@b | father's station, Cambromatta, is stuck up$5$ by$4$ bushrangers. They are threatening 105:248,79@b | my parents, and maltreating the servants with impunity. At the risk of 105:248,80@b | my life I escaped through my bedroom window, made my way to$4$ the stables, 105:248,81@b | saddled a horse, and have ridden at a gallop all the way here. Can you aid 105:248,82@b | us, for$3$ not only property, but what is far more precious, \life\, is in$4$ danger." 105:249,01@a | "How many fellows are there, madam," 105:249,01[A ]| I asked. 105:249,02@b | "Six," 105:249,02[A ]| was the reply. 105:249,03@a | "And how many men have you on$4$ the station?" 105:249,04@b | "Oh, half a dozen, but they have all run away, and my father is tied down on$4$ 105:249,05@b | his chair, whilst my brother unhappily is down in$4$ Melbourne." 105:249,06@a | "Then I will$1$ away instantly," 105:249,06[A ]| I replied; 105:249,06@a | "you stay here, Miss*Martin, it is 105:249,07@a | rather a rough place for$4$ a lady, but there is a good fire, and before I start I will$1$ 105:249,08@a | take your nag round to$4$ the stable." 105:249,09@b | "You are not going alone?" 105:249,09[A ]| she asked, in$4$ astonishment, seeing me examining 105:249,10[A ]| my weapons, and preparing for$4$ departure. 105:249,11@a | "I am sorry to$9$ say I must; my mates are all out patrolling, and may not 105:249,12@a | return for$4$ hours, but do not fear, I have no$2$ doubt but that$3$ I can tackle these 105:249,13@a | fellows, at all events I will$1$ try." 105:249,14@b | "I will$1$ return with you, I can guide you by$4$ the shortest way," 105:249,14[A ]| said the 105:249,15[A ]| young lady, rising to$4$ her feet. 105:249,16@a | "No$7$, no$7$, Miss*Martin, that$6#2$ will$1$ never do," 105:249,16[A ]| I rejoined. 105:249,16@a | "You have 105:249,17@a | already ridden nine miles, the return journey would completely knock you 105:249,18@a | up$5$. You must rest here until things are again quiet up$5$ at the station, and 105:249,19@a | they can send a trap or dog-cart for$4$ you; besides, there is danger in$4$ your 105:249,20@a | returning now ~~ danger that$6#1$ there is no$2$ need for$4$ your incurring." 105:249,21@b | "It is not a daughter's duty to$9$ shrink from sharing a danger in$4$ which$6#1$ her 105:249,22@b | parents are involved, nor will$1$ I allow you, a stranger, to$9$ incur that$6#2$ peril for$4$ 105:249,23@b | me and mine which$6#1$ I have not the spirit to$9$ meet also." 105:249,24@a | "But, Miss*Martin, I am a rough trooper, and those things are in$4$ my 105:249,25@a | ordinary line of business. Your parents, too, are safe from the peculiar 105:249,26@a | dangers that$6#1$ ~~ pardon my plain speaking ~~ would surround one so$5#1$ young and 105:249,27@a | beautiful as yourself were you to$9$ fall into the power of these savages, who$6#1$, 105:249,28@a | by$4$ this time, are doubtless half mad with liquor." 105:249,29[A ]| The fair girl remained silent for$4$ a minute with her eyes fixed on$4$ the floor, 105:249,30[A ]| then raising them she said firmly, 105:249,30@b | "In$4$ spite of all you say, I feel that$3$ I ought 105:249,31@b | to$9$ return, and so$3$ I will$1$ return, therefore further arguments are wasted. Are 105:249,32@b | you ready?" 105:249,33@a | "Quite," 105:249,33[A ]| I said; for$3$ during this colloquy I had not been idle, but had 105:249,34[A ]| loaded my revolver, buckled on$5$ my sword, and written on$4$ a piece of paper the 105:249,35[A ]| following words: ~~ 105:249,35@a | "9 p%*m% ~~ Just leaving for$4$ Cambromatta*Station, which$6#1$ 105:249,36@a | is stuck up$5$ by$4$ six bushrangers. I am alone, so$3$ lose no$2$ time in$4$ sending 105:249,37@a | succour which$6#1$ may be most welcome. (Signed) GEO%*SEALY." 105:249,38[A ]| This I affixed to$4$ the table with a pin, and fetching a good horseman's 105:249,39[A ]| cloak, once more turned to$4$ my visitor and said, 105:249,39@a | "If you \will$1$\ return, Miss*Martin, 105:249,40@a | this will$1$ protect you from the cold night air, I am now going to$9$ saddle 105:249,41@a | my horse, and in$4$ less than five minutes we shall be on$4$ the road." 105:249,42[A ]| I was even better than my word, for$3$ ere three minutes had elapsed, my 105:249,43[A ]| black charger was at the door of the hut, the pistols transferred to$4$ the 105:249,44[A ]| holsters, and myself assisting the young lady to$9$ mount, then leaping into the 105:249,45[A ]| saddle, we started at a brisk pace for$4$ Cambromatta. 105:249,46[A ]| I calculated upon$4$ our reaching the home station about a quarter to$4$ ten ~~ 105:249,47[A ]| for$3$ my companion's horse was somewhat distressed by$4$ its long gallop, and 105:249,48[A ]| would not keep pace with my fresh steed. I was not in$4$ heart sorry for$4$ this, 105:249,49[A ]| for$3$ I could not regard the present adventure in$4$ any other light than as a most 105:249,50[A ]| desperate one, and the longer we were on$4$ the road, the greater was the chance 105:249,51[A ]| that$3$ some of my mates would come to$4$ the rescue before it was too late. 105:249,52[A ]| For$4$ the first five miles of our journey, neither of us spoke a word, and no$2$ 105:249,53[A ]| sound was heard save the low, plaintive note of the mopoke or Australian 105:249,54[A ]| cuckoo, answered by$4$ the still more mournful cry of the wildfowl from the low, 105:249,55[A ]| swampy ground on$4$ our right; while from the clear blue sky above, unflecked 105:249,56[A ]| by$4$ a single cloud, the pale full moon shed a radiance as clear and far softer 105:249,57[A ]| than that$6#2$ of day over the mellow Australian landscape, and on$4$ the face of the 105:249,58[A ]| lovely girl who$6#1$ rode by$4$ my side. 105:249,59[A ]| At last the white chimneys of the station were visible some two miles 105:249,60[A ]| ahead; the sight of them aroused me from the half dreamy reverie to$4$ which$6#1$ I 105:249,61[A ]| had given way, and recalled me to$4$ the matter of fact world, of which$6#1$ I was 105:249,62[A ]| still a member. 105:249,63@a | "Miss*Martin, how are these bushrangers disposed? Are they all within 105:249,64@a | the house do you think?" 105:249,64[A ]| I asked. 105:249,65@b | "No$7$, sir, four are inside, and two are keeping guard ~~ one under the 105:249,66@b | verandah in$4$ front, another in$4$ the court-yard, at the back." 105:249,67@a | "And you think these are all?" 105:249,68@b | "I do, and what is more, I know exactly where they are placed; the man 105:249,69@b | in$4$ the court-yard I had some difficulty in$4$ evading, and just as I was fairly 105:249,70@b | off, he discovered and fired his pistol at me; one ball tore the sleeve of my 105:249,71@b | dress, but the others went very wide of the mark." 105:249,72@a | "Really Miss*Martin, you are a perfect heroine," 105:249,72[A ]| I could not help exclaiming, 105:249,73@a | "but, upon$4$ my word, I wish you were fifty miles away now. Why 105:249,74@a | will$1$ you insist upon$4$ thrusting yourself again into danger?" 105:249,75@b | "For$4$ the reasons I have given you before," 105:249,75[A ]| she said, smiling, 105:249,75@b | "but see, I 105:249,76@b | am not so$5#1$ defenceless as you fancy, I pillaged this from your armoury whilst 105:249,77@b | you were saddling your horse, and can now take care of myself;" 105:249,77[A ]| and, with 105:249,78[A ]| a merry laugh, she drew from under her cloak one of our regulation revolvers, 105:249,79[A ]| duly capped and loaded. 105:249,80@a | "I hope you will$1$ not shoot yourself, instead of a bushranger; but as you are 105:249,81@a | determined to$9$ be a veritable trooper, you must obey my orders as your senior 105:249,82@a | officer, will$1$ you?" 105:249,83@b | "Yes, as long as you do not tell me to$9$ run away." 105:249,84@a | "You faithfully promise?" 105:249,85@b | "I do." 105:249,86@a | "Well then, I will$1$ not tell you to$9$ run away; but I must tell you that$3$ 105:249,87@a | prudence and discretion are the better part of valour, and as my army is 105:249,88@a | small, I must not allow my men to$9$ expose themselves to$4$ useless danger. 105:249,89@a | Watch my every look and motion, and never fire until I give the word." 105:249,01@b | "Very well, captain," 105:249,01[A ]| was the roguish rejoinder. 105:249,02@a | "Well then, that$6#2$ is arranged, ~~ now, where are we?" 105:249,03@b | "Yonder is the station, amid that$6#2$ clump of trees, just a quarter of a mile 105:249,04@b | distant." 105:249,05@a | "Then we must ride more under the shadow of the ferns, keep directly behind 105:249,06@a | me, and walk your horse as noiselessly as possible." 105:249,07[A ]| How I did at that$6#2$ moment long for$4$ a cloud to$9$ cross the moon, but there 105:249,08[A ]| was not the slightest trace of one in$4$ the whole dome of heaven. I glanced 105:249,09[A ]| back over the wide plain we had traversed, but not a single horseman was 105:249,10[A ]| visible; our chances of succour were few indeed, so$3$ I nerved myself to$9$ meet 105:249,11[A ]| the danger as best I could; though, if I did feel nervous, it was more for$4$ my 105:249,12[A ]| companion's sake than my own. 105:249,13[A ]| And now the chimneys and roofs of the home-station were close by$5$ ~~ I could 105:249,14[A ]| hear the neigh of horses, and I dreaded lest one of ours should answer them, 105:249,15[A ]| but, luckily, they did not. Thanks to$4$ the sheltering shadows of the tree 105:249,16[A ]| fern, which$6#1$ grew nearly up$5$ to$4$ the house, our approach could not be detected, 105:249,17[A ]| and the long lank grass over which$6#1$ we rode prevented the horses' hoof-strokes 105:249,18[A ]| from being audible. 105:249,19[A ]| At length I saw the end of the fern grove, and that$3$ it extended to$4$ within 105:249,20[A ]| ten yards of the post-and-rail fence at the back of the station; but I saw 105:249,21[A ]| another sight that$6#1$ caused me uneasiness, which$6#1$ was the bulky form of an 105:249,22[A ]| armed man pacing up$5$ and down just at the extremity of the grove, his 105:249,23[A ]| cabbage-tree hat slouched over his eyes, his long, shaggy, black beard flowing 105:249,24[A ]| far down over his scarlet shirt, and his broad belt adorned with a bowie-knife 105:249,25[A ]| and a revolver. 105:249,26[A ]| I saw at a glance that$3$ this fellow could not be avoided, we could not gain 105:249,27[A ]| the station without his perceiving us, while, on$4$ the other hand, an open 105:249,28[A ]| attack could not be contemplated, as the report of a pistol would bring the 105:249,29[A ]| whole band on$4$ us. 105:249,30[A ]| My companion was too far in$4$ the rear to$9$ see him, and not wishing her to$9$ 105:249,31[A ]| I rode back a few yards and met her. 105:249,32@a | "We must leave our horses here and proceed on$4$ foot," 105:249,32[A ]| I said in$4$ a whisper, 105:249,33[A ]| and dismounting, I aided her to$9$ alight, and then fastened both our steeds to$4$ 105:249,34[A ]| the stem of a fern-tree. 105:249,35@a | "Now then," 105:249,35[A ]| I continued, 105:249,35@a | "you must stay here for$4$ about five minutes, 105:249,36@a | while I reconnoitre ahead, and see that$3$ the coast is clear ~~ I shall not be 105:249,37@a | long." 105:249,38[A ]| She looked at me suspiciously, but nodded assent. 105:249,39@a | "Do not move an inch until my return," 105:249,39[A ]| I said, and walking away from her 105:249,40[A ]| until I got a little distance in$4$ front, I dropped into a horizontal position on$4$ the 105:249,41[A ]| ground, and crept on$5$, snakelike, amid the grass towards the unconscious 105:249,42[A ]| bushranger, with my drawn sword in$4$ my hand. 105:249,43[A ]| It was a deed I shrank from, it looked so$5#1$ very like$4$ murder; but I knew 105:249,44[A ]| it to$9$ be a justifiable act and a necessary one, which$6#1$ reflection consoled me. 105:249,45[A ]| This snake-like motion was a very slow and unpleasant mode of progression, 105:249,46[A ]| but it was a successful one. Once only I made a noise, which$6#1$ was caused by$4$ 105:249,47[A ]| my spur coming in$4$ contact with a stone. The sentry heard it, and glanced 105:249,48[A ]| suspiciously in$4$ my direction, but perceiving nothing, muttered in$4$ a rough 105:249,49[A ]| tone, 105:249,49@w | "Only a 'possum, as I live; I am becoming as skeered as a cat since I 105:249,50@w | shot the trap on$4$ the Ballbal*Plains ~~ a drop of brandy will$1$ banish these 105:249,51@w | noises." 105:249,52[A ]| As he spoke, he drew a spirit flask from his pocket, and turning his back to$4$ 105:249,53[A ]| me, raised it to$4$ his lips. I was now only five or six yards behind him, and availing 105:249,54[A ]| myself of this favourable position, I sprang to$4$ my feet, crept up$5$ to$4$ him, 105:249,55[A ]| and before he could conclude his draught of brandy my sword hissed through 105:249,56[A ]| the air, and so$5#1$ true was the stroke, that$3$ the man's head was severed from his 105:249,57[A ]| body and rolled for$4$ more than a yard along the ground, while the trunk, 105:249,58[A ]| with spirit flask still clutched in$4$ its hand, fell prone to$4$ the earth. 105:249,59[A ]| I moved these ghastly objects out of my sight, and then returned to$4$ Miss*Martin, 105:249,60[A ]| whom I found somewhat terrified at my long absence. 105:249,61[A ]| I did not tell her what had occurred, but with a few whispered words of 105:249,62[A ]| assurance told her to$9$ follow me, for$3$ that$3$ there was no$2$ sentry at the back now. 105:249,63[A ]| We walked boldly on$5$ until we gained the post and rail fence, which$6#1$ 105:249,64[A ]| enclosed the yard at the back; here I again reconnoitred, and finding the 105:249,65[A ]| yard empty, and no$2$ lights in$4$ the back windows of the house, we went on$5$, but 105:249,66[A ]| creeping very cautiously, and keeping under the shadow of the fence, for$3$ discovery 105:249,67[A ]| now would be fatal. When we gained the back door we listened, and 105:249,68[A ]| could hear bursts of laughter and loud voices from within. 105:249,68@w | "Your health, 105:249,69@w | old gentleman, and yours too, Mother*Martin, and many thanks for$4$ your 105:249,70@w | hearty welcome. I trust you may always have such honest and jovial boys 105:249,71@w | as us to$9$ eat your cold meat and drink your wine." 105:249,72[A ]| This speech was followed by$4$ uproarious applause, and then another shouted 105:249,73@w | "Let us unbind the Governor, and make him dance a hornpipe on$4$ the table." 105:249,74@x | "Agreed! good! good!" 105:249,74[A ]| and for$4$ a minute the jingle of glasses and the 105:249,75[A ]| mingled volley of shouts, laughter, and imprecations were tremendous. 105:249,76[A ]| Amidst this din we entered the house, and my companion ~~ now my guide 105:249,77[A ]| ~~ led me through two or three rooms, until we reached one which$6#1$ was only 105:249,78[A ]| divided from that$6#2$ occupied by$4$ the revellers by$4$ a thin partition, in$4$ which$6#1$ at 105:249,79[A ]| one spot was a little square of glass, through which$6#1$ we could plainly see 105:249,80[A ]| what was passing in$4$ the adjoining apartment. 105:249,81[A ]| A stranger sight than that$6#2$ I never before beheld, nor happily has it been 105:249,82[A ]| my lot to$9$ witness such an one since. The room which$6#1$ the bushrangers had 105:249,83[A ]| selected for$4$ their feast was a furnished drawing-room, whose carpets, lounges 105:249,84[A ]| and ottomans, rich lace curtains, and the many articles of vertu and variety 105:249,85[A ]| scattered around, presented a strange and ludicrous contrast to$4$ the odd assemblage 105:249,86[A ]| it contained. The table was spread with every variety of food and 105:249,87[A ]| liquor, while empty and broken bottles and glases strewed the floor. On$4$ 105:249,87[A ]| the velvet-seated chairs, and on$4$ the elegantly carved couches, sat or reclined 105:249,88[A ]| in$4$ every attitude of ease and disregard for$4$ appearance, rough and ferocious-looking 105:250,01[A ]| beings, with tangled uncombed hair and beards, and mahogany-tinted 105:250,02[A ]| complexions, dressed in$4$ the rough bush costume, consisting either of 105:250,03[A ]| cabbage-tree hats, coloured shirts, cord pants, with long boots coming above 105:250,04[A ]| the knee; or else, broad brimmed felt hats, red, blue, or brown jumpers, and 105:250,05[A ]| moleskin continuations; most of them had their brawny throats bare, and 105:250,06[A ]| nearly all wore a bright crimson Chinese silk scarf around their waists, generally 105:250,07[A ]| garnished with a revolver on$4$ one side and a formidable knife on$4$ the 105:250,08[A ]| other. 105:250,09[A ]| There were four of them in$4$ all, and in$4$ the leader who$6#1$ sat at the head of 105:250,10[A ]| the board, on$4$ an edge of the ottoman, with his muddy boots cocked over the 105:250,11[A ]| back of the arm chair, and the sleeves of his scarlet jumper rolled up$5$ to$4$ his 105:250,12[A ]| elbows, I recognised that$6#2$ prince of bushrangers, Bob*the*Thunderer, a fellow 105:250,13[A ]| possessed of as much strength and brute courage as a tiger, but, if anything, 105:250,14[A ]| with less mercy. 105:250,15[A ]| At that$6#2$ time he was as much known and feared as Morgan has more recently 105:250,16[A ]| been. Yet Morgan did show mercy in$4$ one or two instances; but I 105:250,17[A ]| never heard of Bob*the*Thunderer being guilty of such an act; at least, I 105:250,18[A ]| mean to$4$ those who$6#1$ might prove dangerous in$4$ any way hereafter to$4$ him. 105:250,19[A ]| Many a trooper had Bob sent to$4$ the shades; in$4$ fact, it was his common 105:250,20[A ]| boast that$3$ he should never feel content until he had shot one for$4$ every barrel 105:250,21[A ]| of his revolver. I knew that$3$ he had already killed five, and I could not help 105:250,22[A ]| conjecturing whether \I\ was destined to$9$ make up$5$ the complement. 105:250,23[A ]| But to$9$ return; these four worthles were smoking most zealously, the short 105:250,24[A ]| black pipes being rarely removed from their mouths, unless to$9$ spit about the 105:250,25[A ]| carpet, or to$9$ drain another deep draught of wine. One had a quart basin 105:250,26[A ]| before him; another a huge Venetian glass goblet; the third preferred a decanter 105:250,27[A ]| by$4$ itself; whilst the fourth seemed bent upon$4$ trying every vessel 105:250,28[A ]| capable of holding a liquid, that$6#1$ came within his reach. 105:250,29[A ]| But these fellows were not the sole occupants of the room. The station 105:250,30[A ]| owner and his wife were there, and seated at the table too; for$3$ bushrangers 105:250,31[A ]| are fastidious in$4$ their notions, and these had strapped their host and hostess 105:250,32[A ]| down in$4$ separate chairs, and placed them in$4$ that$6#2$ position to$9$ preside at the 105:250,33[A ]| festive board. 105:250,34[A ]| Mr%*Martin, however, looked anything but pleased at the speedy disappearance 105:250,35[A ]| of the treasures of his cellar; his stiff, grey hair almost stood erect like$4$ the 105:250,36@z | "quills upon$4$ the fretful porcupine," ~~ 105:250,36[A ]| and his jolly round face was almost 105:250,37[A ]| purple red with bottled-up passion. The old lady looked both angry and 105:250,38[A ]| nervous, but endeavoured to$9$ smile and take things easy, as she fancied that$6#2$ 105:250,39[A ]| course to$9$ be the best policy under the circumstances. The most terrified of 105:250,40[A ]| the group were, however, two servant maids, who$6#1$ were seated on$4$ chairs placed 105:250,41[A ]| back to$4$ back, while a thick rope encircled both their waists, and another 105:250,42[A ]| their wrists, their arms being passed backwards between the top and the middle 105:250,43[A ]| bars, and thus brought together. In$4$ this manner they were united almost as 105:250,44[A ]| thoroughly as the Siamese twins, and it was evident that$3$ they were both suffering 105:250,45[A ]| from extreme terror, for$3$ they were trembling violently, though neither 105:250,46[A ]| ventured to$9$ address the other, nor to$9$ beg mercy from their persecutors, who$6#1$, 105:250,47[A ]| from time to$4$ time, tormented them by$4$ throwing wine over their faces, firing 105:250,48[A ]| corks at them, or pelting them with biscuits and scraps of food from the 105:250,49[A ]| table. 105:250,50[A ]| It did not take us one quarter as long to$9$ notice every incident of this scene 105:250,51[A ]| as it has taken me to$9$ describe it; for$3$ we had only taken a glance or two 105:250,52[A ]| around, ere the speaker who$6#1$ had proposed a hornpipe had drawn his knife, 105:250,53[A ]| severed Mr%*Martin's bonds, and another having cleared a space in$4$ the centre 105:250,54[A ]| of the table, the old gentleman was hoisted up$5$, passed safely over bottles and 105:250,55[A ]| glasses, and told to$9$ begin his dance. 105:250,56[A ]| I could tell by$4$ the hard breathing of my companion that$3$ she felt deeply 105:250,57[A ]| this indignity offered to$4$ her father, but I had no$2$ wish to$9$ open an attack 105:250,58[A ]| before such a step was compulsory, as every minute's delay gave a greater 105:250,59[A ]| chance of my comrades arriving to$9$ share the sport, and this I intimated to$4$ 105:250,60[A ]| Miss*Martin, who$6#1$ nodded approval. 105:250,61[A ]| Events, however, soon hastened a \9de`nou^ement\. the worthy squatter, 105:250,62[A ]| who$6#1$ had at first been too angry to$9$ comply and too alarmed to$9$ refuse to$9$ dance, 105:250,63[A ]| at length became more heated to$4$ harness, and getting too near the edge of 105:250,64[A ]| the table, it captsized, and in$4$ company with wines, spirits, prog and crockery, 105:250,65[A ]| Mr%*Martin found the floor. 105:250,66[A ]| What a crash that$6#2$ was, what a ruddy lake poured over the carpet, what 105:250,67[A ]| cries from the women and curses from the men. The voice of Bob*the*Thunderer 105:250,68[A ]| soon quelled all the other noises. 105:250,69@c | "Stash that$6#2$ row, you fools. Hold your tongues, you she cats, or I will$1$ 105:250,70@c | give you somethink to$9$ holler for$4$; and you, you tarnation old ass, I will$1$ 105:250,71@c | have a drop of your blood for$4$ every leak of spirit you have spilt. Out with your 105:250,72@c | knives, my boys, and prick his tough hide for$4$ him, he has clean spoilt our feast," 105:250,73[A ]| and as he spoke, Bob, with one kick, launched the old gentleman nearly halfway 105:250,74[A ]| across the room. 105:250,75[A ]| Almost simultaneously with this act, however, and just as I myself was 105:250,76[A ]| about to$9$ take the initiative, my companion brushed past me, pulled her revolver 105:250,77[A ]| from under her cloak, and without pausing a moment to$9$ take aim, fired 105:250,78[A ]| through the little window. 105:250,79[A ]| I saw Bob*the*Thunderer clap his hand to$4$ his left shoulder, while he 105:250,80[A ]| uttered a howl like$4$ that$6#2$ of a wounded bear, but I knew he was not dangerously 105:250,81[A ]| wounded. His mates all sprang to$4$ their feet and drew their weapons, 105:250,82[A ]| so$3$ I fired hastily at one, and seeing they were about to$9$ send a volley hap-hazard 105:250,83[A ]| against the partition, I quickly dragged my companion to$4$ the ground. 105:250,84[A ]| I was right in$4$ my conjecture, they fired their revolvers simultaneously, 105:250,85[A ]| and half a dozen bullets tore through the lath and plaster wall and whistled 105:250,86[A ]| above our heads. 105:250,87@a | "Stay here, I command you, move not hand nor foot," 105:250,87[A ]| I said sternly to$4$ 105:250,88[A ]| the beautiful girl at my side, for$3$ I was determined that$3$ she should not get 105:250,89[A ]| under fire If I could help it, and perceiving the handle of the door, I determined 105:250,01[A ]| on$4$ a ruse, and springing to$4$ my feet, walked boldly into the adjoining 105:250,02[A ]| apartment, exclaiming in$4$ an authoritative voice, 105:250,02@a | "Give$5$ your weapons or 105:250,03@a | you are all dead men. I have ordered my troopers to$9$ fire upon$4$ you if you 105:250,04@a | show any resistance." 105:250,05[A ]| It was worth a thousand pounds to$9$ watch the bushrangers' countenances 105:250,06[A ]| at that$6#2$ moment; my fearless bearing, for$3$ I had even stuck my revolver in$4$ my 105:250,07[A ]| belt, had the desired effect. They never doubted the truth of my assertion 105:250,08[A ]| for$4$ a moment, but they evinced no$2$ disposition to$9$ lay down their weapons. 105:250,09@w | "Where the devil are your men, young cock o' the walk?" 105:250,09[A ]| asked one, 105:250,10@a | "Within a few yards of you; their pistols cover you whilst I speak," 105:250,10[A ]| I 105:250,11[A ]| answered, for$3$ I knew that$3$ bravado alone must carry my point now. 105:250,12@w | "And if we do yield," 105:250,12[A ]| returned another, 105:250,12@w | "will$1$ you ensure us our lives." 105:250,13@c | "Fools, will$1$ you believe the lying trap?" 105:250,13[A ]| cried Bob*the*Thunderer with a 105:250,14[A ]| frightful oath. 105:250,14@c | "'It is the \bullet\ or the \halter\, and I prefer the former, so$3$ 105:250,15@c | here goes." 105:250,15[A ]| He raised his revolver as he spoke, but ere he could draw the 105:250,16[A ]| trigger, there came another shot through the little window, and throwing up$5$ 105:250,17[A ]| his arms, Bob*the*Thunderer uttered a wild shriek and fell to$4$ the floor a 105:250,18[A ]| corpse. The bullet had penetrated his brain. 105:250,19@a | "There my lads," 105:250,19[A ]| I cried, taking advantage of this demonstration, 105:250,19@a | "you 105:250,20@a | see that$3$ the only one of you, whose crimes left him no$2$ hope of mercy, has met 105:250,21@a | his fate; now, are the rest of you going to$9$ surrender, or must I give my 105:250,22@a | troopers the signal to$9$ fire?" 105:250,23@w | "Shoot them, policeman, the rogues deserve burning; look at my wine, 105:250,24@w | and the way they have treated me," 105:250,24[A ]| exclaimed the old squatter from a corner. 105:250,25@v | "No$7$, no$7$, do not make our house such a scene of bloodshed; take them 105:250,26@v | away, I dare say they will$1$ get their deserts," 105:250,26[A ]| said the old lady, who$6#1$, pale and 105:250,27[A ]| trembling, was still bound in$4$ her chair. 105:250,28[A ]| The servant maids only increased their screams. 105:250,29@a | "Mr%*Martin, my orders would not allow me to$9$ have them shot if they 105:250,30@a | surrender. Madam, they have had their \desserts\ already, though perhaps the 105:250,31@a | next of which$6#1$ they partake will$1$ have less wine and sweetmeats to$9$ flavour it. 105:250,32@a | Now, gentlemen deliver up$5$ your weapons." 105:250,33@w | "Well, hang it, I suppose we can not do any other, Mr%*Peeler; I do not want 105:250,34@w | to$9$ be shot down like$4$ a pig in$4$ a poke, so$3$ here is my barker," 105:250,34[A ]| cried a muscular 105:250,35[A ]| fellow, handing me his revolver with reluctance. 105:250,36[A ]| No$2$ doubt his example would have been followed by$4$ the others, but just as 105:250,37[A ]| I extended my hand to$9$ receive this tribute of submission, a loud voice exclaimed, 105:250,38@w | "What to$4$ *** are you about in$4$ here, surrendering to$4$ a single 105:250,39@w | bobby and a gal? Out on$4$ you," 105:250,39[A ]| and the door being burst open by$4$ a kick, a 105:250,40[A ]| rough bearded rascal appeared in$4$ view, holding in$4$ one hand a Colt's, and with 105:250,41[A ]| the other dragging in$4$ Gertrude*Martin by$4$ the hair of her head. 105:250,42[A ]| I saw that$3$ the game was up$5$ in$4$ a moment. I endeavoured to$9$ draw my 105:250,43[A ]| pistol and shoot him down, but ere I could do this I was felled to$4$ the earth 105:250,44[A ]| by$4$ a blow from one of the bushrangers, and in$4$ a twinkling bound hand and 105:250,45[A ]| foot, while I could see that$3$ Gertrude*Martin was lying at a little distance from 105:250,46[A ]| me on$4$ the floor, in$4$ the same helpless condition. 105:250,47[A ]| What next we should encounter I knew not, but I pretty well guessed that$3$ my 105:250,48[A ]| doom would be death, while a fate, even more terrible, might hang over the 105:250,49[A ]| brave and lovely girl, whose love for$4$ her parents had strenthened her heart 105:250,50[A ]| to$9$ encounter such perils as she had done that$6#2$ night. I could hear her sobs 105:250,51[A ]| as her father was again bound hand and foot by$4$ the rascals who$6#1$ surrounded 105:250,52[A ]| us, and tumbled with violence into a corner of the room, and I knew that$3$ 105:250,53[A ]| those sounds were not wrung from her by$4$ the rough cords that$6#1$ cut her 105:250,54[A ]| delicate arms and ancles, but that$3$ her heart bled for$4$ the sufferings of those 105:250,55[A ]| whom she loved more than her own life. 105:250,56[A ]| Much as I longed, I was now, however, totally unable to$9$ help or sympathise 105:250,57[A ]| with her, and lying on$4$ my back helpless as a babe, I was constrained to$9$ listen 105:250,58[A ]| to$4$ the narrative of the bushranger whose entrance at so$5#1$ inopportune a moment 105:250,59[A ]| had spoilt my plot and brought us to$4$ so$5#1$ unpleasant a strait. 105:250,60[A ]| It appeared that$3$ this ruffian had been on$4$ guard under the verandah in$4$ 105:250,61[A ]| front of the station, but that$3$, having no$2$ tobacco in$4$ his pouch, he had run 105:250,62[A ]| round to$9$ beg some from his mate, who$6#1$ was posted as sentinel in$4$ the rear. 105:250,63[A ]| Unable to$9$ find him, he had halloed and cooeyed, but this being of no$2$ avail, 105:250,64[A ]| he had in$4$ the clear moonlight tracked his footprints, and discovered his 105:250,65[A ]| dead body in$4$ the bushes. This had somewhat alarmed him, for$3$ he saw it 105:250,66[A ]| was the work of a trooper, as none else would carry swords, but the whinny of 105:250,67[A ]| one of our horses had attracted his attention and aided him to$9$ solve the 105:250,68[A ]| mystery. He soon found them, saw that$3$ they were only two, then noticed 105:250,69[A ]| our footprints and plainly perceived that$3$ one was a woman's. He had then 105:250,70[A ]| tracked them back to$4$ the station, entered by$4$ the back door ~~ which$6#1$ we had 105:250,71[A ]| left open ~~ and had made his appearance, just in$4$ time to$9$ undeceive his mates 105:250,72[A ]| and turn the fortunes of the day completely against us. 105:250,73[A ]| Long and boisterous was the laughter of the rangers, as Red*Tommy (as 105:250,74[A ]| he was called) narrated his yarn; but immediately he had ceased, dark and 105:250,75[A ]| lowering brows were bent upon$4$ us, and Red*Tommy shouted, 105:250,75@w | "What shall 105:250,76@w | we do with them? ~~ blood for$4$ blood, I say ~~ let us hang them both." 105:250,77@w | "Hang the trap, if you like$1$, but the gal is mine ~~ I will$1$ make her Mrs%*Peter*Dargan," 105:250,78[A ]| cried another. 105:250,79@w | "Dash it, no$7$, that$6#2$ is not fair ~~ she is no$2$ more yours nor ours, Peter; we will$1$ 105:250,80@w | cast lots for$4$ her, for$3$ she is worthy of any one of us; a brave girl like$4$ that$6#2$ 105:250,81@w | deserves to$9$ be a bushranger's wife. As for$4$ the bobby, I vote burying him alive." 105:250,82@w | "Burying or hanging is too good for$4$ the likes of him," 105:250,82[A ]| grumbled a third; 105:250,83@w | "I have a better plan than either of you, lads ~~ let us hang him by$4$ the heels to$4$ 105:250,84@w | yon lamp crook, and take flying shots at him from the other end of the room. 105:250,85@w | Whoever, in$4$ two rounds, sends a ball through his head nearest his right eye, 105:250,86@w | shall have a right to$4$ the gal. What do you say, mates?" 105:250,87@x | "Good ~~ good ~~ bravo for$4$ Big*Mike," 105:250,87[A ]| they all cried, in$4$ a perfect ecstacy of 105:250,88[A ]| delight. 105:250,89[A ]| I saw that$3$ the resolution was carried \7nem%*con%\, and, with a thrill of terror 105:251,01[A ]| that$6#1$ I can hardly describe, I glanced up$5$ at the lofty ceiling. There, sure 105:251,02[A ]| enough, was the hook, which$6#1$ was evidently hung there for$4$ the purpose one 105:251,03[A ]| day of sustaining a candelabrum. Little did the one who$6#1$ placed it there 105:251,04[A ]| fancy what a burden it was destined on$4$ this night to$9$ uphold. For$4$ a moment, 105:251,05[A ]| I tried to$9$ persuade myself that$3$ the bushrangers were jesting, but another 105:251,06[A ]| glance at their ferocious, blood-thirsty countenances showed me how vain was 105:251,07[A ]| that$6#2$ hope: I turned my eyes towards my companion, and saw that$3$ she was pale 105:251,08[A ]| as marble, and her eyes full of tears. I was about to$9$ whisper a few words of 105:251,09[A ]| encouragement to$4$ her ~~ for$3$ she lay close by$5$ me ~~ when the voice of one of the 105:251,10[A ]| rangers turned the current of my thoughts. 105:251,11@w | "A rope! ~~ a rope! ~~ where the d*** are we to$9$ get a rope?" 105:251,11[A ]| asked one. 105:251,12@w | "Dash it, I know ~~ I saw one in$4$ the kitchen, long and strong enough to$9$ 105:251,13@w | hang every trap in$4$ the colony," 105:251,13[A ]| cried another. 105:251,14@w | "Hurrah. Bring it here, mate, let us get this thing over, and decide who$6#1$ is 105:251,15@w | to$9$ have the gal, and then we will$1$ try and hunt up$5$ some more drink." 105:251,16@w | "Ah! Ah! We will$1$ drink to$4$ the trap's long journey, and that$3$ he may hire 105:251,17@w | us good quarters in$4$ the next world by$4$ the time we join him," 105:251,17[A ]| said Red*Tommy. 105:251,18[A ]| 105:251,19@w | "Trap, how do you feel yourself? Miss*Martin, how do you do at all at 105:251,20@w | all?" 105:251,20[A ]| asked Big*Mike, squirting some tobacco juice on$5$ to$4$ my face. 105:251,21@a | "Hold your rascal tongue; if I was free of these cords, I would thrash the 105:251,22@a | whole lot of ye!" 105:251,22[A ]| I cried, bursting with suppressed fury, and managing to$9$ 105:251,23[A ]| give Master*Mike a kick on$4$ the shins, that$6#1$ made him howl again. 105:251,24[A ]| He glanced at me with the malignity of a wolf, and handled his revolver as 105:251,25[A ]| though with the resolve to$9$ put an end to$4$ me there and then; but a moment's 105:251,26[A ]| reflection made him alter his mind, and in$4$ a voice, hoarse as a raven's, he 105:251,27[A ]| shouted to$4$ his mates ~~ who$6#1$ by$4$ this time had found the rope, and brought it 105:251,28[A ]| into the room ~~ 105:251,28@w | "Reeve a noose there, pals, this fellow's neck is itching for$4$ 105:251,29@w | his collar. Here, Tommy ~~ a chair on$4$ the table ~~ now another on$4$ the top of 105:251,30@w | that$6#2$ ~~ see you can reach the hook now. That$6#2$ is right my hearty, make it 105:251,31@w | secure; and now you other fellows, have you finished his hempen collar? 105:251,32@w | Confound it, I forgot, he is to$9$ be hung by$4$ his heels. Look alive, mates!" 105:251,33[A ]| There was no$2$ need to$9$ tell them that$6#2$; they did look alive, with a vengeance; 105:251,34[A ]| in$4$ another minute my feet were secured to$4$ the rope, and the signal 105:251,35[A ]| was given by Big*Mike to$9$ haul me up$5$. 105:251,35@w | "Pull with a will$0$, my hearties!" 105:251,36[A ]| shouted Mike, dancing and capering around the room in$4$ wild glee, and amid 105:251,37[A ]| the threats and entreaties of the station-owner, the supplications of Gertrude*Martin, 105:251,38[A ]| and the screams of the other women, I was hauled up$5$ into mid-air, 105:251,39[A ]| and the next moment was swinging like$4$ a pendulum equidistant between 105:251,40[A ]| floor and ceiling. 105:251,41@w | "That$6#2$ is right, boys, let him swing; it will$1$ require a better shot to$9$ win the 105:251,42@w | gal. Now then, are your pistols loaded, boys? Bags I first shot. You Carrotty*Tom, 105:251,43@w | stop by$4$ him to$9$ set him swinging fresh, just as we are ready to$9$ fire; and 105:251,44@w | you, my jolly trap, say your prayers if you know any, for$3$ by$4$ jabers you are 105:251,45@w | no$2$ better than a dead possum." 105:251,46[A ]| How shall I describe the agonised feelings of that$6#2$ moment? Pray, I could 105:251,47[A ]| not; the horror of my position made me forget everything. I was in$4$ a species 105:251,48[A ]| of conscious trance; I felt a rough hand give me a push; I felt myself 105:251,49[A ]| swinging rapidly to$8$ and fro, then I heard a wild scream followed by$4$ the report 105:251,50[A ]| of a pistol, and a tingling as though a piece of red-hot wire were held 105:251,51[A ]| against my ear. Next I heard Big*Mike's rough voice ejaculate. 105:251,51@w | "A miss, by$4$ 105:251,52@w | George! Harry, it is your turn now, and may bad luck wait on$4$ you." 105:251,53[A ]| Again the sharp click of a pistol lock, another hearty shove from the hand 105:251,54[A ]| of Red*Tommy, once more the sharp report of a revolver, but this time, to$4$ my 105:251,55[A ]| surprise, followed by$4$ a howl like$4$ that$6#2$ of a wounded wolf. 105:251,56[A ]| A strange hope fluttered within my breast. I tried to$9$ turn my head round, 105:251,57[A ]| could not manage it. Bang! bang! ~~ three more shots ~~ another howl ~~ a wild 105:251,58[A ]| cheer, the crashing of glass and wood, and Big*Mike's hoarse voice shouting, 105:251,59@w | "The traps, by$4$ G***! Make yourselves scarce, mates. The back door, for$4$ 105:251,60@w | your lives." 105:251,61[A ]| A moment later I was cut down by$4$ O'Neil, who$6#1$ laughingly exclaimed, 105:251,61@w | "By$4$ 105:251,62@w | Jove, Jack, it is clear you were never born to$9$ be drowned; it is lucky they 105:251,63@w | preferred your heels to$4$ your neck, or you would have been a gone coon by$4$ this 105:251,64@w | time, anyhow." 105:251,65@a | "O'Neil, I owe my life to$4$ your prompt assistance; but give me a pistol 105:251,66@a | quickly, I owe that$6#2$ villain Big*Mike a shot, and I would not that$3$ any*one 105:251,67@a | else should kill him." 105:251,68[A ]| Without waiting a reply, I plucked a weapon from O'Neil's belt, and was 105:251,69[A ]| about to$9$ make for$4$ the back of the house, when two troopers entered the room, 105:251,70[A ]| guarding a couple of the bushrangers, who$6#1$ were bound hand and leg. 105:251,71@a | "Where are the rest?" 105:251,71[A ]| I eagerly demanded. 105:251,72@x | "The big fellow they call Mike has slipped it, but Mathews and Crawday 105:251,73@x | are after him; and as their nags are better than his, they will$1$ come up$5$ with 105:251,74@x | him, without doubt. A fellow with red hair is shot dead in$4$ the court-yard, 105:251,75@x | and there is another with a ball through his head lying in$4$ yon corner, just 105:251,76@x | breathing his last." 105:251,77[A ]| I glanced round and saw the fellow; I knew that$3$ it was Dargan, whose 105:251,78[A ]| account on$4$ earth a bullet from O'Neil's revolver had settled, just as he was 105:251,79[A ]| about to$9$ take his shot at me. By$4$ his side knelt Gertrude*Martin, holding to$4$ 105:251,80[A ]| his lips a glass of water. At that$6#2$ sight of heavenly forgiveness and Christian 105:251,81[A ]| charity my own heart thawed; the savage longing for$4$ Big*Mike's blood 105:251,82[A ]| abated; I felt content to$9$ leave his pursuit to$4$ Crawday and Mathews, and returned 105:251,83[A ]| to$9$ congratulate Mr% and Mrs%*Martin on$4$ the turn affairs had taken. 105:251,84[A ]| The old gentleman shook my hand warmly, and the worthy matron told 105:251,85[A ]| me that$3$ I should ever be a welcome visitor at Cambromatta. 105:251,86[A ]| Meanwhile the others had removed the dead men from the house, and deposited 105:251,87[A ]| them in$4$ an outhouse, for$4$ the station-hands to$9$ bury. 105:251,88[A ]| We shortly afterwards took our leave. 105:251,89[A ]| Miss*Martin was the last to$4$ whom I said farewell; and the parting was 105:251,01[A ]| almost as though we had been very old friends; but, lest my readers may 105:251,02[A ]| indulge themselves with the idea that$3$ something more came of it, and that$3$ a 105:251,03[A ]| future tale will$1$ narrate the elopement of the aforesaid young lady with a penniless 105:251,04[A ]| trooper, I will$1$ at once inform them that$3$ in$4$ three months after the adventure 105:251,05[A ]| just narrated, Gertrude*Martin was married to$4$ a wealthy and middle 105:251,06[A ]| aged squatter, whose runs joined those of her father at Cambromatta. 105:251,07[A ]| Big*Mike escaped with whole bones, much to$4$ my chagrin. The two captured 105:251,08[A ]| rangers were sentenced to$4$ penal servitude for$4$ life. 106:076,00@@@@@| 106:076,00[' ]| 106:076,00[' ]| 106:076,01[A ]| One of the most general sources of dissatisfaction and murmuring 106:076,02[A ]| on$4$ the Victorian gold-fields, in$4$ the year 1852, was the 106:076,03[A ]| method by$4$ which$6#1$ the Government collected the gold revenue. 106:076,04[A ]| Following the example of the Legislative wiseacres at Sydney, 106:076,05[A ]| immediately upon$4$ the first discoveries of the precious metal 106:076,06[A ]| at Ballarat, regulations were issued requiring all miners to$9$ 106:076,07[A ]| procure a monthly licence to$9$ dig for$4$ gold, and to$9$ pay thirty 106:076,08[A ]| shillings for$4$ the same. This regulation was all very well in$4$ 106:076,09[A ]| theory; the question was, how to$9$ render it available to$9$ practise. 106:076,10[A ]| It was plainly no$2$ easy matter to$9$ enforce this tax among a 106:076,11[A ]| migratory population, living in$4$ tents, scattered throughout a 106:076,12[A ]| wild and wide tract of country. 106:076,13[A ]| The mode adopted was to$9$ send out armed bands of police, 106:076,14[A ]| who$6#1$, swooping down suddenly on$4$ gully or flat, spread themselves 106:076,15[A ]| over it and levied "black-mail", \7vi*et*armi\, by$4$ demanding 106:076,16[A ]| of every*one his licence. These posses of police were 106:076,17[A ]| always supported by$4$ a few mounted troopers, to$9$ cut off such 106:076,18[A ]| worthies as might put faith in$4$ the alternative of putting in$5$ 106:076,19[A ]| leg*bail, and showing a clean pair of heels; for$3$ all who$6#1$ could 106:076,20[A ]| not produce their licence were captured, and marched off, frequently 106:076,21[A ]| many miles, to$4$ the nearest magistrate, where, after 106:076,22[A ]| more or less detention, they were either fined five pounds or 106:076,23[A ]| sentenced to$4$ a month's imprisonment. It will$1$ readily be 106:076,24[A ]| conceived that$3$ such a system led to$4$ great discontent and 106:076,25[A ]| irritation, and I must say that$3$ such feelings were but natural; 106:076,26[A ]| and the general dissatisfaction was increased by$4$ the manner 106:076,27[A ]| of collecting the licence fee, for$3$ instead of the collector's 106:077,01[A ]| calling upon$4$ the tax-payer, the tax-payer had to$9$ hunt up$5$ the 106:077,02[A ]| collector. The digger was compelled to$9$ walk from his own 106:077,03[A ]| gully to$4$ the commissioner's camp, which$6#1$ was frequently 106:077,04[A ]| several miles distant; after which$6#1$ he had often to$9$ wait hour 106:077,05[A ]| after hour under a broiling sun, while a crowd of others, 106:077,06[A ]| who$6#1$ had arrived before him, were paying their thirty shillings 106:077,07[A ]| or weighing out their ounce of gold. 106:077,08[A ]| I believe that$3$ greater facilities were subsequently offered 106:077,09[A ]| for$4$ the payment of this fee, though it must have been after I 106:077,10[A ]| quitted the force; anyhow, the mode of enforcing it continued 106:077,11[A ]| the same for$4$ a long period, and I have hundreds of times heard 106:077,12[A ]| the diggers complaining loudly and increasingly of such a harsh 106:077,13[A ]| and un-English measure. 106:077,13@x | "First you tax our labour," 106:077,13[A ]| said they, 106:077,14@x | "and then you collect your tax at the point of the bayonet." 106:077,15[A ]| The hatred to$4$ the system was universal, disputes were of 106:077,16[A ]| daily occurrence, and collisions between the police and the 106:077,17[A ]| diggers often took place, whereof spilt blood and cracked 106:077,18[A ]| pates were frequently the result. 106:077,19[A ]| At some of the gold-fields a curious plan was hit upon$5$ for$4$ 106:077,20[A ]| evading these inquisitorial visits. Directly a party of police 106:077,21[A ]| was perceived in$4$ the distance, the diggers raised a cry of 106:077,22@x | "Joe! Joe!" 106:077,22[A ]| The cry was taken up$5$, and presently the 106:077,23[A ]| whole length of the gully rang with the shout, 106:077,23@x | "Joe! Joe! 106:077,24@x | Joe!" 106:077,24[A ]| and of course, with more speed than dignity, the unlicensed 106:077,25[A ]| portion of the community made tracks for$4$ the bush. 106:077,26[A ]| Sometimes, however, the police were too quick for$4$ this 106:077,27[A ]| mano*euvre, or else a view of a stronger body than usual of 106:077,28[A ]| mounted troopers shook their reliance in$4$ their own pedal extremities; 106:077,29[A ]| and in$4$ this case, as a \9dernier*ressort\, those diggers 106:077,30[A ]| who$6#1$ had lost or never obtained a licence would descend their 106:077,31[A ]| shafts and holes, and if any of the force happened to$9$ pass 106:077,32[A ]| by$5$ and peer down into the depths profound, he would be 106:077,33[A ]| greeted with the polite invitation to$9$ 106:077,33@x | "walk down and make 106:077,34@x | himself at home;" 106:077,34[A ]| a kindness, however, which$6#1$ he took care 106:077,35[A ]| not to$9$ avail himself of, for$3$ the tone of the invite too much 106:077,36[A ]| resembled that$6#2$ "of the spider to$4$ the fly;" and had he done 106:077,37[A ]| so$5#2$, the chances were a thousand to$4$ one that$3$ he would have 106:077,38[A ]| regretted his precipitancy, had he indeed escaped to$9$ regret 106:077,39[A ]| it at all. 106:077,40[A ]| But to$9$ commence my tale. I have indulged my readers 106:078,01[A ]| with this long preamble in$4$ order that$3$ they may the better 106:078,02[A ]| understand the state of affairs at the Forest*Creek Gold-field, 106:078,03[A ]| at the period when, in$4$ company with two other 106:078,04[A ]| troopers, named Matthews and Crawday, I was ordered to$9$ 106:078,05[A ]| leave Mount*Koreneth Station, and attach myself to$4$ one bordering 106:078,06[A ]| on$4$ these gold-fields. Matters were just about reaching 106:078,07[A ]| a crisis, a general riot was anticipated daily, and we were all 106:078,08[A ]| in$4$ the highest possible spirits at the prospects of scrimmage 106:078,09[A ]| and adventure that$6#1$ presented themselves. 106:078,10[A ]| As we rode along, the laugh and jest were freely bandied 106:078,11[A ]| round, and our very horses seemed to$9$ share our gaiety and 106:078,12[A ]| light-heartedness. It was magnificent weather, the glorious sun 106:078,13[A ]| shone down from an unclouded sky of steel-grey hue, which$6#1$, 106:078,14[A ]| in$4$ Australia, takes the place of the azure blue of Southern 106:078,15[A ]| Europe. As we increased the distance between ourselves 106:078,16[A ]| and the little out-station we had that$6#2$ morning quitted, the 106:078,17[A ]| dense scrub gave way to$4$ the open bush, and for$4$ many hours 106:078,18[A ]| we rode through a tract of country perhaps unsurpassed in$4$ 106:078,19[A ]| loveliness by$4$ any portion of the inhabited globe. The stately 106:078,20[A ]| gum trees (eucalypti) with their white trunks, the shea oak 106:078,21[A ]| with its gracefully drooping foliage, the golden perfumed 106:078,22[A ]| blossoms of the mimosa, with the richly wooded mountain 106:078,23[A ]| range in$4$ the background, united to$9$ form a picture too magnificent 106:078,24[A ]| to$9$ describe. The ground was fairly carpeted with wild 106:078,25[A ]| flowers, the sarsaparilla blossoms creeping everywhere. Along 106:078,26[A ]| our track sparkled the murmuring waters of a pretty streamlet, 106:078,27[A ]| reflecting as in$4$ a mirror the gorgeous tints which$6#1$ the last 106:078,28[A ]| rays of the setting sun at length flung over the surrounding 106:078,29[A ]| scene: while the air rang with the cawing of the myriad 106:078,30[A ]| parrots and cockatoos, of every hue and colour, who$6#1$ made the 106:078,31[A ]| lone bush resound with their discordant notes, while their 106:078,32[A ]| restless movements and gay plumage gave life and piquancy 106:078,33[A ]| to$4$ the scene. Occasionally too, the lonely plaintive cry of 106:078,34[A ]| the curlew would ring out on$4$ the perfumed air, answered by$4$ 106:078,35[A ]| the jocund "Ha! ha! ha!" of the laughing jackass; while 106:078,36[A ]| now and then, with a suppressed hiss and a rustle of the dry 106:078,37[A ]| grass and parting bushes, a snake would wriggle out of the 106:078,38[A ]| way of our horses' hoofs, and then, with vibrating head and 106:078,39[A ]| dull glistening eyes, glare at us as we passed. In$4$ the distance 106:078,40[A ]| too, as night advanced, the long melancholy wolf-like howl 106:079,01[A ]| of the dingoe or native dog, and the sharp cry of the wild 106:079,02[A ]| cat and 'possum awakened the echoes of hill and gully. 106:079,03[A ]| At a distance of about forty-five miles from our destination 106:079,04[A ]| we came to$4$ a halt, and pitched our camp for$4$ the night. Our 106:079,05[A ]| beds were made of the mimosa, which$6#1$ possesses a perfume like$4$ 106:079,06[A ]| the hawthorn. The softest looking branches were selected, 106:079,07[A ]| cut down, and flung upon$4$ the ground, which$6#1$, with our saddles 106:079,08[A ]| for$4$ pillows, formed beds that$6#1$ to$4$ our weary limbs appeared 106:079,09[A ]| soft and luxurious as one of feathers would do to$4$ the \9blase=\ 106:079,10[A ]| man about town. 106:079,11[A ]| Early the following morning we resumed our march, and 106:079,12[A ]| by$4$ noon reached our destination. 106:079,13[A ]| We found a dozen or so$5#2$ of the force already quartered at 106:079,14[A ]| the station, and at once obtained an interview with the superintendent, 106:079,15[A ]| who$6#1$ received us most courteously, and pointed out 106:079,16[A ]| the nature of the duties that$6#1$ we should have to$9$ perform. We 106:079,17[A ]| had arrived just at the opportune moment to$9$ enjoy the anticipated 106:079,18[A ]| fun, for$3$ the very next day we were, in$4$ company with 106:079,19[A ]| a party of foot constables who$6#1$ were quartered not far from us, 106:079,20[A ]| to$9$ effect a regular raid on$4$ Forest*Creek, and "stick up$5$" all 106:079,21[A ]| unlicensed diggers. 106:079,22[A ]| Not a single theme was started that$6#2$ night that$6#1$ did not 106:079,23[A ]| bear reference to$4$ the events of the morrow, and amid the 106:079,24[A ]| furbishing up$5$ of accountrements, the grinding of sabres, the 106:079,25[A ]| cleaning of firearms, &c%, many were the odds given and 106:079,26[A ]| taken as to$4$ whether the diggers would show fight ~~ whether 106:079,27[A ]| there would be a regular scrimmage, or only black looks and 106:079,28[A ]| muttered curses as formerly. 106:079,29[A ]| The next morning was a magnificent one, and by$4$ nine 106:079,30[A ]| o'clock we were mounted and \9en*route\ to$4$ the field of anticipated 106:079,31[A ]| battle, which$6#1$ was barely three miles distant. On$4$ our 106:079,32[A ]| way we were joined by$4$ the company of foot police, twenty-five 106:079,33[A ]| in$4$ number, and we immediately divided into two parties, 106:079,34[A ]| in$4$ order to$9$ approach the gold-field from different directions. 106:079,35[A ]| A quarter of an hour later we were close to$4$ the scene of operations, 106:079,36[A ]| and a stirring one it presented. The hundreds of tents 106:079,37[A ]| and shanties scattered over the valleys, the little stream winding 106:079,38[A ]| through its midst, and the groups of busy diggers scattered 106:079,39[A ]| around, was a pleasant sight to$4$ one who$6#1$ for$4$ so$5#1$ many months 106:079,40[A ]| had been rusticating at a lone out-station; and more particularly 106:080,01[A ]| to$4$ one who$6#1$, like$4$ myself, had never seen the diggings 106:080,02[A ]| before. 106:080,03[A ]| We had not much time, however, for$4$ a quiet enjoyment of 106:080,04[A ]| the picture, for$3$ no$2$ sooner were our snow-white shakos perceived 106:080,05[A ]| in$4$ the distance, than pick, spade, and cradle were abandoned, 106:080,06[A ]| and the roar of voices ~~ to$4$ which$6#1$ the confusion of Babel must 106:080,07[A ]| have been a comparative silence, for$3$ every*one seemed talking 106:080,08[A ]| at once ~~ arose from the flat below. 106:080,09[A ]| This excitement increased, if such a thing were possible, 106:080,10[A ]| when the crowd saw our other party advancing from an opposite 106:080,11[A ]| direction. Cries of 106:080,11@x | "Joey! Joey! Joey!" 106:080,11[A ]| echoed from 106:080,12[A ]| all sides, followed by$4$ curses, shouts, and ribaldry. Stump 106:080,13[A ]| orators sprang on$4$ inverted beer-barrels, and with waving 106:080,14[A ]| arms and stentorian lungs harangued their mates. To$9$ increase 106:080,15[A ]| the confusion dogs howled, women screamed, and 106:080,16[A ]| babies squalled in$4$ unison. 106:080,17[A ]| All this time we advanced upon$4$ the crowd slowly but 106:080,18[A ]| steadily, for$3$ we were not allowed to$9$ outstrip the foot constables, 106:080,19[A ]| and as we drew nearer I could hear one herculean 106:080,20[A ]| fellow, who$6#1$ surmounted a barrel of colossal dimensions, 106:080,21[A ]| shouting, 106:080,21@c | "Yes, mates, that$6#2$ is what I say ~~ I am for$4$ fighting, I 106:080,22@c | am. Send the darned traps back with a tight good lacing. 106:080,23@c | Ah! do better than that$6#2$ ~~ dowse them in$4$ the creek; pitch them 106:080,24@c | into the holes and cover them up$5$; kick them, cuff them, warm 106:080,25@c | the ears of them! never say die. Never cry funky, my hearties!" 106:080,26[A ]| And at each pause the speaker would wipe the perspiration 106:080,27[A ]| from his face with the sleeve of his shirt, while he 106:080,28[A ]| waved his other arm in$4$ the air like$4$ the sail of a windmill. 106:080,29@x | "True, true ~~ listen to$4$ Jemmy*Small!" 106:080,29[A ]| cried some; 106:080,29@x | "hurrah 106:080,30@x | for$4$ Jim the smith!" 106:080,30[A ]| hallooed others; but one wiry old 106:080,31[A ]| fellow, edging himself out of the crowd, exclaimed, with a 106:080,32[A ]| chuckle, 106:080,32@w | "Ay, Jim is the mon to$9$ talk sinse, but for$4$ all that$6#2$, 106:080,33@w | thim as has got a licence will$1$ be great fewls to$9$ put their fet 106:080,34@w | in$4$ a scrape for$4$ them as has not." 106:080,35[A ]| Many seemed to$9$ be of this worthy's way of thinking, for$3$ 106:080,36[A ]| as we drew nearer some twenty or more detached themselves 106:080,37[A ]| from the mob and walked quietly away. 106:080,38@b | "Halt!" 106:080,38[A ]| cried the superintendent, when we had got to$4$ 106:080,39[A ]| within about a dozen paces of the crowd; and riding fearlessly 106:080,40[A ]| forward he said, in$4$ his hearty, good-tempered way, 106:080,40@b | "Now, 106:081,01@b | then, my boys, we have come to$9$ have a glance at your licences, 106:081,02@b | so$3$ you may as well fork them out with a good will$0$. You 106:081,03@b | know we are only doing an unpleasant duty that$6#1$ we can not 106:081,04@b | shirk, so$3$ you will$1$ not blame us; and I do not think any of you 106:081,05@b | will$1$ be so$5#1$ foolish as to$9$ oppose the Government." 106:081,06[A ]| There arose a few cheers in$4$ answer to$4$ this, but just as 106:081,07[A ]| many hisses on$4$ the opposition side; and Jim, the smith, to$9$ 106:081,08[A ]| restore his somewhat waning popularity, shouted, 106:081,08@c | "All right, 106:081,09@c | captain, here is my licence;" 106:081,09[A ]| and pulling a rotten egg from his 106:081,10[A ]| pocket, he shied it with so$5#1$ correct an aim that$3$ it smashed to$4$ 106:081,11[A ]| atoms upon$4$ the superintendent's nasal extremity, which$6#1$ for$4$ 106:081,12[A ]| the moment seemed as though it had just emerged from a pot 106:081,13[A ]| of honey. 106:081,14[A ]| This was too much for$4$ the superintendent; the hot Celtic 106:081,15[A ]| blood was up$5$ in$4$ a minute, and drawing his sword and giving 106:081,16[A ]| his horse the spur, he dashed at his assailant on$4$ the barrel, 106:081,17[A ]| the crowd making way for$4$ his powerful charger with a wonderful 106:081,18[A ]| degree of politeness. 106:081,19[A ]| The stump orator howled with terror, and tried to$9$ escape. 106:081,20[A ]| In$4$ vain were his efforts, ~~ before he could leap from the 106:081,21[A ]| barrel amongst the crowd, the flat of the "captain's" sword 106:081,22[A ]| descended with such force upon$4$ the bent back of Jim the 106:081,23[A ]| smith, that$3$ the head of the barrel gave way under him, and 106:081,24[A ]| with a yell of mingled pain and fear he disappeared from 106:081,25[A ]| view. 106:081,26[A ]| This incident was sufficient to$9$ restore the good temper of 106:081,27[A ]| the multitude, or at all events of the licensed portion. 106:081,28@x | "Serve him right!" 106:081,28@x | "Well done, Joey!" 106:081,28[A ]| were the cries 106:081,29[A ]| which$6#1$ now arose; and the riffraffs amongst the crowd who$6#1$ 106:081,30[A ]| did not possess miner's rights, seeing they would not be supported 106:081,31[A ]| by$4$ the more respectable portion of the community, 106:081,32[A ]| prepared to$9$ make themselves scarce, and a general rush to$4$ 106:081,33[A ]| the holes ensued. 106:081,34@b | "After them, boys; if they once get to$4$ their holes, you 106:081,35@b | will$1$ not unearth them in$4$ a hurry," 106:081,35[A ]| shouted the superintendent; 106:081,36[A ]| and putting spurs to$4$ our horses, away we went helter-skelter 106:081,37[A ]| in$4$ pursuit. 106:081,38[A ]| The reader may fancy we had pretty easy work to$9$ overtake 106:081,39[A ]| these fellows, but this was anything but the case. There 106:081,40[A ]| were so$5#1$ many mounds of earth, so$5#1$ many deep and dangerous 106:082,01[A ]| shafts in$4$ every direction, some almost concealed from view 106:082,02[A ]| by$4$ brushwood or dwarf scrub, that$3$ our pursuit was one of 106:082,03[A ]| the most difficult operations imaginable. The fellows would 106:082,04[A ]| take advantage of this, and double around these holes in$4$ a 106:082,05[A ]| most annoying manner, leaping forth and back over them, 106:082,06[A ]| while they chuckled at the idea of one of us going in$5$ headlong 106:082,07[A ]| ~~ a mishap which$6#1$ might have been anything but pleasant, 106:082,08[A ]| as some of these holes were from a hundred to$4$ a hundred 106:082,09[A ]| and fifty feet deep, though the majority of them varied probably 106:082,10[A ]| from ten to$4$ forty feet in$4$ depth. 106:082,11[A ]| An accident of this kind actually did happen; for$3$ as I 106:082,12[A ]| was following a long-legged fellow, whose puffing and blowing 106:082,13[A ]| showed me that$3$ his wind was failing him, I saw another 106:082,14[A ]| rascal coming down a slope of the hill-side as hard as he could 106:082,15[A ]| tear, and Matthews on$4$ his bony roan charger peppering after 106:082,16[A ]| him at a gallop, whirling his sword around his head, and 106:082,17[A ]| laughing at the excitement of the chase to$4$ such a degree that$3$ 106:082,18[A ]| the tears rolled down his cheeks. The pursued was a Chinese, 106:082,19[A ]| and the ludicrous expression of terror written upon$4$ his countenance, 106:082,20[A ]| his long pigtail, which$6#1$ waved at his stern like$4$ 106:082,21[A ]| the broad pennant of an admiral's three-decker, and the 106:082,22[A ]| shuffling, extraordinary run which$6#1$ his clumsy shoes rendered 106:082,23[A ]| compulsory, made me join in$4$ Matthews' merriment. My 106:082,24[A ]| mirth, however, was of short duration, for$3$ as the Chinaman 106:082,25[A ]| reached the bottom of the slope, he made a momentary pause, 106:082,26[A ]| bent down, and then gave a clear spring over what I took to$9$ 106:082,27[A ]| be a bush. On$5$ thundered Matthews in$4$ his rear; he, too, 106:082,28[A ]| reached the furze bush, when his horse stopped suddenly in$4$ 106:082,29[A ]| the midst of its gallop, by$4$ throwing himself back on$4$ his 106:082,30[A ]| haunches, and sticking his fore-feet in$4$ the ground, while the 106:082,31[A ]| rider went flying over his head. I should not have been 106:082,32[A ]| frightened at this, had not a sharp cry escaped from Matthews' 106:082,33[A ]| lips, followed by$4$ the hollow splash of water; so$3$ I spurred to$4$ 106:082,34[A ]| the spot, and there a picture worthy of the pencil of Leech 106:082,35[A ]| or Doyle met my view. 106:082,36[A ]| From the centre of a deserted hole, full of muddy water 106:082,37[A ]| to$4$ the brim, emerged the boots and ankles of the unlucky 106:082,38[A ]| trooper, at which$6#1$ only visible portion of his master the raw-boned 106:082,39[A ]| charger ~~ still in$4$ the same attitude, which$6#1$ closely 106:082,40[A ]| resembled that$6#2$ of an eager terrier watching a rat hole ~~ was 106:083,01[A ]| intently gazing; and at about five yards distance on$4$ the other 106:083,02[A ]| side of the hole crouched the Chinaman, sitting on$4$ his heels, 106:083,03[A ]| his mouth expanded into a wide grin, while waving the 106:083,04[A ]| licence above his head, he hallooed, in$4$ disjointed sentences, 106:083,05@w | "You no$2$ savvy; you no$2$ wise man, Masser*Joey, to$9$ run down 106:083,06@w | man what got licence. John got licence. John all right; 106:083,07@w | but him hab bit joke wid Joey. How you like$1$ water? 106:083,08@w | Hou you feel himself? No$2$ catch Johnny, Masser*Joe; him 106:083,09@w | heartful ~~ too sharp!" 106:083,09[A ]| and then the fat Celestial would roll 106:083,10[A ]| himself from side to$4$ side in$4$ the excess of his mirth. 106:083,11[A ]| Enjoy this scene as I certainly did, I saw that$3$ there was 106:083,12[A ]| no$2$ time to$9$ lose. Matthews had evidently been pitched into 106:083,13[A ]| a shallow hole of some five feet in$4$ depth, but his head was 106:083,14[A ]| stuck in$4$ the mud at the bottom, and unless quickly extricated, 106:083,15[A ]| he would be suffocated. So$3$, taking off my belt, I succeeded 106:083,16[A ]| in$4$ throwing it around my mate's feet, and with some 106:083,17[A ]| difficulty dragged him to$4$ the bank. 106:083,18[A ]| What a spectacle he presented! daubed with a half-mask 106:083,19[A ]| of sticky yellow clay as far as the nostrils, his shako gone, 106:083,20[A ]| the sleeves and collar of his jacket forming separate little 106:083,21[A ]| channels for$4$ the draining off of the water, and his smart 106:083,22[A ]| uniform soiled and saturated. I am sure that$3$ directly I saw 106:083,23[A ]| he was alive, striving to$9$ force open his solitary eye (he had 106:083,24[A ]| but one), which$6#1$ the clay plastering rendered a difficult feat 106:083,25[A ]| to$9$ accomplish, and to$9$ cough up$5$ the quantum of muddy water 106:083,26[A ]| he had involuntarily swallowed through incautiously entering 106:083,27[A ]| his bath with his mouth open, I thought I should have 106:083,28[A ]| expired with suppressed laughter. 106:083,29[A ]| In$4$ less than five minutes my mate was himself again, or 106:083,30[A ]| at least strong enough to$9$ remount his horse and ride to$4$ the 106:083,31[A ]| rear. When I mounted my own steed, the fellow I had 106:083,32[A ]| been pursuing prior to$4$ Matthews' mishap was, to$9$ use a 106:083,33[A ]| sporting expression, "nowhere." Without doubt, he had 106:083,34[A ]| got to$4$ his hole, and knew too well that$3$ no$2$ efforts would be 106:083,35[A ]| made to$9$ dislodge him. 106:083,36[A ]| I took a hasty glance over the field of action. My immediate 106:083,37[A ]| neighbourhood was well-nigh deserted. In$4$ my rear, 106:083,38[A ]| the ground over which$6#1$ we had advanced, the miners were, 106:083,39[A ]| many of them, setting to$4$ work again; the rest, in$4$ company 106:083,40[A ]| with the women and children, were gazing towards the 106:084,01[A ]| opposite side of the flat, where the other party of police had 106:084,02[A ]| not succeeded in$4$ making so$5#1$ pacific a progress as we had done. 106:084,03[A ]| I could see that$3$ a pretty shindy was being kicked up$5$ there. 106:084,04[A ]| Stones and sticks were flying through the air, while the 106:084,05[A ]| shouts and imprecations of the combatants were clearly 106:084,06[A ]| audible. 106:084,07[A ]| About halfway between where I stood and this swaying, 106:084,08[A ]| struggling mob, were visible the superintendent and his little 106:084,09[A ]| body of horse and foot, hurrying on$5$ to$4$ the relief of their 106:084,10[A ]| comrades, while a little way in$4$ their rear walked six prisoners 106:084,11[A ]| in$4$ irons, guarded by$4$ two troopers. These were all the 106:084,12[A ]| unlicensed diggers that$6#1$ had yet been captured, for$3$ upwards 106:084,13[A ]| of a hundred had baffled pursuit, and were at this moment 106:084,14[A ]| at the bottom of their holes, no$2$ doubt laughing over their 106:084,15[A ]| escape. As I could not do any more where I was, I now 106:084,16[A ]| made the best of my way after my mates, whom I soon succeeded 106:084,17[A ]| in$4$ overtaking. 106:084,18[A ]| I explained to$4$ the superintendent the particulars of 106:084,19[A ]| Matthews' mishap, and then fell into rank, and the advance 106:084,20[A ]| continued. We could see that$3$ our comrades were in$4$ difficulties. 106:084,21[A ]| The staves of the foot constables were playing pretty 106:084,22[A ]| freely on$4$ the heads of the mob, and the flats of the troopers' 106:084,23[A ]| sabres and the shoulders of their horses were doing still 106:084,24[A ]| more; but the little party was nearly surrounded, and half 106:084,25[A ]| a dozen of them had already been knocked down and trodden 106:084,26[A ]| under foot before the mob noticed our approach. 106:084,27[A ]| I guess, though we were only twenty strong (twelve on$4$ foot 106:084,28[A ]| and eight mounted), they did not like$1$ the look of us. 106:084,29@b | "Come, lads, you have had fun enough; for$4$ your own sakes 106:084,30@b | you will$1$ now disperse quietly," 106:084,30[A ]| shouted the superintendent, in$4$ 106:084,31[A ]| a voice of thunder to$4$ the crowd, more than half of whom had 106:084,32[A ]| turned to$9$ face us, and had already opened fire with a volley 106:084,33[A ]| of stones and sticks. 106:084,34@b | "If you do not stop that$6#2$, you rascals, we will$1$ make you," 106:084,34[A ]| cried 106:084,35[A ]| the superintendent, soon rapidly losing his temper. 106:084,35@b | "I will$1$ 106:084,36@b | give you one minute for$4$ all honest men to$9$ disperse." 106:084,37[A ]| Derisive laughs and jeers, shouts of 106:084,37@x | "Come on$5$! come on$5$ 106:084,38@x | if you dare," 106:084,38[A ]| was the retort of the mob; while one long slim 106:084,39[A ]| Yankee fellow cried, 106:084,39@d | "Use your knives, mates, if they do; I 106:084,40@d | calculate they want bloodletting, anyhow." 106:085,01@b | "Troopers, draw sabres, prepare to$9$ charge! Constables 106:085,02@b | follow as best you can; and do not be afraid of hitting too 106:085,03@b | hard. Now then. Forward." 106:085,03[A ]| And the old superintendent's 106:085,04[A ]| cheeks flushed, and eyes flashed, as he uttered the words of 106:085,05[A ]| command, for$3$ he thought of his \last\ charge ~~ when, as Captain 106:085,06[A ]| of the 17th*Lancers, he had led his little band of troops 106:085,07[A ]| against the overwhelming forces of the Rajah*of*Bouradar, in$4$ 106:085,08[A ]| the old Sikh war, and forced them to$9$ fly in$4$ confusion from 106:085,09[A ]| the field. The present skirmish was as child's play to$4$ him, 106:085,10[A ]| but I am afraid that$3$ some of us regarded it differently. I 106:085,11[A ]| know that$3$ as far as I was concerned, I would just as soon 106:085,12[A ]| have been a hundred miles away, and perhaps sooner. 106:085,13[A ]| However, at it we went, and in$4$ a compact little wedge 106:085,14[A ]| divided the mob in$4$ our course, as the sharp prow of a yacht 106:085,15[A ]| would divide a heaving sea. With the flats of our swords 106:085,16[A ]| we knocked the diggers down. The foot constables rushed 106:085,17[A ]| into the gap we had made in$4$ the enemies' ranks before it 106:085,18[A ]| could close again, and with their staves seconded us right well. 106:085,19[A ]| Suffice it to$9$ say that$3$ we fought our way right through the 106:085,20[A ]| crowd, and joined our mates, in$4$ junction with whom we again 106:085,21[A ]| charged through the mob with the same success, and by$4$ that$6#2$ 106:085,22[A ]| time the rioters had had enough, and scampered away in$4$ 106:085,23[A ]| every direction, leaving some forty or fifty of their number 106:085,24[A ]| on$4$ the ground, too badly hurt to$9$ follow their example; while 106:085,25[A ]| four of our troopers and five constables were in$4$ a similar predicament. 106:085,26[A ]| 106:085,27[A ]| Not a life was sacrificed on$4$ either side. 106:085,28[A ]| I had come off almost untouched from the struggle, though 106:085,29[A ]| once my life had been in$4$ some peril. The tall Yankee who$6#1$ 106:085,30[A ]| had so$5#1$ warmly recommeded the knife had not hesitated to$9$ 106:085,31[A ]| put his suggestions into practice. I had just knocked down 106:085,32[A ]| one fellow, and stooped to$9$ avoid a stone, when a long bowie 106:085,33[A ]| knife gleamed before my eyes, and the next moment would 106:085,34[A ]| doubtless have been my last, had I not seized the arm of the 106:085,35[A ]| rascal that$6#1$ wielded it, and so$5#2$ arrested the stroke, while I returned 106:085,36[A ]| the compliment by$4$ a heavy blow in$4$ the mouth, with 106:085,37[A ]| the butt end of my revolver, that$6#1$ sent half a dozen teeth 106:085,38[A ]| down his throat, and effectually cooled his courage. 106:085,39[A ]| As soon as the skirmish was over our wounded men were 106:085,40[A ]| collected together, with as many of the captured rioters as 106:086,01[A ]| were capable of moving, and the latter having been handcuffed, 106:086,02[A ]| we returned to$4$ the station. 106:086,03[A ]| We had scarcely done dinner when Matthews (who$6#1$ was 106:086,04[A ]| now all right again), Crawday, and myself were summoned 106:086,05[A ]| before the superintendent who$6#1$ wished to$9$ know if we would 106:086,06[A ]| volunteer to$9$ return to$4$ the gold-field in$4$ the character of diggers, 106:086,07[A ]| and stay there for$4$ a week or so$5#2$, for$4$ the purpose of discovering 106:086,08[A ]| a few of the unlicensed workers, their names, and 106:086,09[A ]| the locality of the claims, &c. 106:086,10[A ]| We readily accepted the service; and that$6#2$ same night, in$4$ 106:086,11[A ]| most artistic make-up, and from a different direction from that$6#2$ 106:086,12[A ]| of the station, we again reached Forest*Creek. We had a 106:086,13[A ]| tent with us, which$6#1$ we fixed, made a fire, boiled our billy, 106:086,14[A ]| had tea, and then separately lounged through the camp, and 106:086,15[A ]| visited various gang shanties to$9$ pick up$5$ information. 106:086,16[A ]| Throughout that$6#2$ evening neither of us was recognised, 106:086,17[A ]| which$6#1$ gave us confidence, and for$4$ more than a week we 106:086,18[A ]| played our game with more than tolerable success. One 106:086,19[A ]| night ~~ it was a Saturday night, I remember, for$3$ I had been 106:086,20[A ]| buying some groceries at M'Kenzie's store ~~ I dropped into 106:086,21[A ]| "The*Golden*Age" shanty, with the double object of imbibing 106:086,22[A ]| a nobbler and increasing my stock of information. A 106:086,23[A ]| good many people were there, and amongst them some of the 106:086,24[A ]| greatest roughs on$4$ the Flat, and I found it an easy matter to$9$ 106:086,25[A ]| join in$4$ the conversation, and at length to$9$ turn it upon$4$ the 106:086,26[A ]| topic of the recent police raid. It was an hour at which$6#1$ 106:086,27[A ]| most of the diggers were half-seas-over, and consequently 106:086,28[A ]| communicative. Many of those who$6#1$ had eluded us on$4$ that$6#2$ 106:086,29[A ]| occasion were not slow to$9$ brag of it, and thus I obtained 106:086,30[A ]| more valuable information on$4$ that$6#2$ one night than I had done 106:086,31[A ]| for$4$ the whole preceding week. 106:086,32[A ]| It was verging on$4$ eleven o'clock when I quitted the shanty, 106:086,33[A ]| and steered my course in$4$ the direction of our tent. It was a 106:086,34[A ]| stormy night, and there was no$2$ moon, so$3$ that$3$ I had to$9$ walk 106:086,35[A ]| warily on$4$ account of the holes so$5#1$ thickly covering the ground. 106:086,36[A ]| I had, however, accomplished about half the distance in$4$ 106:086,37[A ]| safety, when I was roughly gripped from behind, and thus 106:086,38[A ]| brought to$4$ a halt. The next moment three or four burly 106:086,39[A ]| fellows surrounded me, and one of them striking a match 106:086,40[A ]| held it close to$4$ my face. 106:087,01@e | "By$4$ George! the very man, mates; the cat-faced snivelling 106:087,02@e | spy himself;" 106:087,02[A ]| and with a curse the speaker let drop the match 106:087,03[A ]| and trod it under his boot. 106:087,04[A ]| During the momentary glimmer of the lucifer I had recognised 106:087,05[A ]| him as one of the unlicensed diggers, whom we had 106:087,06[A ]| captured and marched to$4$ the station the preceding week. I 106:087,07[A ]| had ridden by$4$ his side the whole way, and doubtless the 106:087,08[A ]| fellow had escaped from custody, returned to$4$ his hole, 106:087,09[A ]| recognised me in$4$ some shanty and waylaid me for$4$ no$2$ good 106:087,10[A ]| purpose. 106:087,11@w | "What shall we do with the rascally trap?" 106:087,11[A ]| cried another. 106:087,12@d | "Wall, I calculate we will$1$ lynch him," 106:087,12[A ]| echoed a voice whose 106:087,13[A ]| nasal twang I thought I remembered. 106:087,14@e | "No$7$, no$7$, take him down my hole; it is a duffer, and I leave 106:087,15@e | it to-morrow; we can cover him in$5$, and there he will$1$ rest quiet 106:087,16@e | enough until the crack of doom," 106:087,16[A ]| suggested the first speaker. 106:087,17@w | "Good! good! a new way of salting a claim," 106:087,17[A ]| laughed 106:087,18[A ]| another ruffian, and the motion was carried without a dissenting 106:087,19[A ]| voice. 106:087,20[A ]| The manner of my death decided on$5$, no$2$ time was lost in$4$ 106:087,21[A ]| putting it into execution. I was gagged, and borne along a 106:087,22[A ]| quarter of a mile or so$5#2$ at a run; for$3$ although we were in$4$ the 106:087,23[A ]| least frequented and most lonely part of the Flat, an honest 106:087,24[A ]| digger might perchance have seen us, and then their amiable 106:087,25[A ]| intentions would most probably have been foiled. No$2$ such 106:087,26[A ]| luck, however, awaited me, and we were soon at the mouth of 106:087,27[A ]| my selected sepulchre. 106:087,28[A ]| It was a pit of about fifty feet in$4$ depth, or a least so$5#2$ I 106:087,29[A ]| conjectured, from the time they took to$9$ lower me, and the 106:087,30[A ]| number of revolutions made by$4$ the windlass, which$6#1$ I 106:087,31[A ]| counted. At length I rested on$4$ the damp clay at the bottom 106:087,32[A ]| of the shaft, the rope was drawn up$5$, and then my persecutors 106:087,33[A ]| descended in$4$ turn, and I was hurried along a drive 106:087,34[A ]| for$4$ some distance, when we came to$4$ a halt, and a candle was 106:087,35[A ]| produced and lighted. My eyes were then unbandaged, and 106:087,36[A ]| the gag taken from my mouth. 106:087,37[A ]| I could now see my enemies. They were four in$4$ all. Besides 106:087,38[A ]| the fellow who$6#1$ had escaped from the station, I recognised 106:087,39[A ]| the Yankee who$6#1$ had tried to$9$ stab me in$4$ the skirmish, 106:087,40[A ]| and could I believe my eyes? ~~ in$4$ one of the other ruffians I 106:088,01[A ]| recognised a fellow who$6#1$ had been in$4$ the force, and discharged 106:088,02[A ]| for$4$ cowardice and theft; the latter crime he had at the time 106:088,03[A ]| tried to$9$ slip on$5$ to$4$ my shoulders, and I had consequently 106:088,04[A ]| cherished no$2$ kindly feeling towards him. 106:088,05[A ]| The recognition was mutual on$4$ both sides, and Finch 106:088,06[A ]| growled with a sneer, 106:088,06@f | "The last time we parted you did not 106:088,07@f | fancy we should meet again so$5#1$ soon, mate." 106:088,08@a | "Dog! thief! sneaking coward!" 106:088,08[A ]| I retorted. 106:088,08@a | "Would 106:088,09@a | that$3$ I had the power to$9$ give you what you deserve!" 106:088,09[A ]| Then, 106:088,10[A ]| as an idea struck me, I turned to$4$ the other rascals, saying, 106:088,11@a | "This fellow is a trap as well as myself; he was turned out 106:088,12@a | of the force for$4$ cowardice, and for$4$ a theft that$6#1$ he tried to$9$ 106:088,13@a | slip off on$4$ me: just as a favour allow me to$9$ put it out of 106:088,14@a | his power to$9$ gloat over my fate." 106:088,15[A ]| This request seemed to$9$ tickle the palate of the sallow 106:088,16[A ]| Yankee. 106:088,16@d | "What say you, mates? He has fairly drawed the 106:088,17@d | coon to$4$ my notion. Why should not we have a little more 106:088,18@d | lark over the matter? A pistol-shot would not be heard down 106:088,19@d | here. Knock down and draw out, I say, and let us see who$6#1$ is 106:088,20@d | the cock that$6#1$ crows craven the first." 106:088,21@f | "I do not want to$9$ fight him, mates; in$4$ fact, I will$1$ not fight 106:088,22@f | him," 106:088,22[A ]| said Finch, turning as pale as death. 106:088,23[A ]| This refusal, however, on$4$ his part, caused the others to$9$ 106:088,24[A ]| declare that$3$ he should. 106:088,24@w | "You were the cove what betrayed 106:088,25@w | the trap, and by$4$ G***, now we have discovered that$3$ you were a 106:088,26@w | trap yourself, he shall have his revenge," 106:088,26[A ]| said one. 106:088,27@d | "Stand up$5$, sirree, and take your pick of ways to$9$ settle it. 106:088,28@d | You have got your choice of weapons; knives or pistols, just 106:088,29@d | decide." 106:088,30@f | "Mr%*Badgery, I shall not fight him. I decline his challenge," 106:088,31[A ]| whined the coward, in$4$ a supplicating voice. 106:088,32@d | "But you shall fight him, you pitiful, eternal sneak, ~~ you 106:088,33@d | stinking, psalm-singing varmint of a British-whelped bone-setter; 106:088,34@d | and as you will$1$ not choose your weapon, I will$1$ for$4$ you. 106:088,35@d | There is my revolver, with a single charge in$4$ it, ~~ enough for$4$ 106:088,36@d | you, I reckon. Who$6#2$ will$1$ lend the other trap a barker? Mind 106:088,37@d | there is only one barrel charged, or he may try to$9$ shoot us all 106:088,38@d | and escape." 106:088,39[A ]| To$4$ me there was something very strange and gloomy in$4$ all 106:088,40[A ]| these preparations. Whether I shot Finch, or he shot me, 106:089,01[A ]| my fate was equally sealed ~~ I should never see the light of 106:089,02[A ]| day more. I knew the hole we were in$4$ had been worked 106:089,03[A ]| out, and that$3$ the dark tragedy about to$9$ be performed would 106:089,04[A ]| be for*ever hid by$4$ the pits being filled up$5$ and abandoned. 106:089,05[A ]| My feelings may be imagined as I stood in$4$ this long, narrow 106:089,06[A ]| drive, surrounded by$4$ reckless diggers, jeering and uttering 106:089,07[A ]| unfeeling comments upon$4$ what was passing. 106:089,08[A ]| Finch stood twelve paces distant in$4$ his red flannel jumper 106:089,09[A ]| and moleskin pants, holding the long revolver the Yankee 106:089,10[A ]| had handed him down by$4$ his side. A like$2$ weapon was now 106:089,11[A ]| given to$4$ me, five charges having been first drawn. 106:089,12[A ]| The Yankee said he would give the signal by$4$ clapping his 106:089,13[A ]| hands, bidding me at the same time, with a knowing wink, 106:089,14@d | "to$9$ shoot my best, and not think about giving trouble, as it 106:089,15@d | would be just as convenient to$9$ fill the earth in$5$ upon$4$ two of 106:089,16@d | us as one." 106:089,17[A ]| We were now allowed five minutes to$9$ prepare, and during 106:089,18[A ]| that$6#2$ time I noticed the drive where Finch stood was broader 106:089,19[A ]| than where I had been posted, and that$3$ the shadow was 106:089,20[A ]| greater where he was. This gave him a great advantage 106:089,21[A ]| over me, but I did not fancy it was worth troubling about. 106:089,22[A ]| As long as I hit him, I did not care whether he hit me or 106:089,23[A ]| not; in$4$ fact, I would have preferred his shooting me through 106:089,24[A ]| the head at once, to$4$ the lingering misery of being buried 106:089,25[A ]| alive in$4$ such a spot, and suffering a lingering death from 106:089,26[A ]| starvation or the want of pure air. 106:089,27@d | "Are you ready now?" 106:089,27[A ]| growled the Yankee at length. 106:089,28[A ]| Finch groaned a response: the sound came hollowly out of 106:089,29[A ]| the gloom. 106:089,30[A ]| The umpire turned to$4$ me and repeated the question. 106:089,31@a | "Quite ready," 106:089,31[A ]| I replied; 106:089,31@a | "give the signal when you 106:089,32@a | like$1$." 106:089,33[A ]| It was a moment of terrible excitement. It was strange 106:089,34[A ]| yet awful to$9$ hear the measured 106:089,34@d | "One ~~ two ~~ " 106:089,34[A ]| of the 106:089,35[A ]| Yankee echoing out of the darkness. When he called 106:089,36@d | "three" 106:089,36[A ]| we were to$9$ fire. 106:089,37[A ]| I felt no$2$ fear, but a wild throbbing of delirium was in$4$ my 106:089,38[A ]| brain, ~~ a sensation as though I was an atom in$4$ the universe, 106:089,39[A ]| swept onwards by$4$ an unknown but irresistible power through 106:089,40[A ]| space, while hundreds of fiery stars flashed before my eyes, 106:090,01[A ]| and strange inhuman cries sounded in$4$ my ears. My sight 106:090,02[A ]| grew filmy. I strove to$9$ pierce the gathering darkness, but I 106:090,03[A ]| could see nothing distinctly. 106:090,04@d | "Three!" 106:090,04[A ]| said the umpire, and clapped his hands. 106:090,05[A ]| "Crack! crack!" went the pistols simultaneously, the 106:090,06[A ]| lurid flashes illuminating the living tomb with a glow of 106:090,07[A ]| crimson, but only for$4$ a moment I saw Finch's pale, ghost-like 106:090,08[A ]| countenance, his eyes glaring out of his head, a thin 106:090,09[A ]| stream of blood trickling down from a hole in$4$ the right 106:090,10[A ]| temple, then I heard him fall with a dull "thud" on$4$ the 106:090,11[A ]| damp, cold earth, but the darkness of eternal night was 106:090,12[A ]| around, for$3$ the concussion of air caused by$4$ the explosion of 106:090,13[A ]| our pistols had extinguished the candle. 106:090,14@d | "Darn it, is it over? Speak, somebody!" 106:090,14[A ]| hallooed the 106:090,15[A ]| Yankee. 106:090,16[A ]| There was no$2$ reply. 106:090,17@d | "Answer me, some*one: and whoever has a match jist 106:090,18@d | strike a light," 106:090,18[A ]| said the umpire again. 106:090,19@w | "Dang it, I have been searching every pocket for$4$ a match 106:090,20@w | and can not find one," 106:090,20[A ]| said somebody. 106:090,21@w | "I have not a match," 106:090,21[A ]| growled a third voice. 106:090,22@w | "By$4$ George, mates, we must make our way out then in$4$ 106:090,23@w | the dark." 106:090,24@d | "That$6#2$ we must," 106:090,24[A ]| retorted the Yankee. 106:090,24@d | "I calkerlate 106:090,25@d | both they traps is dead as 'possums, for$3$ I do not hear a 106:090,26@d | squeak, so$3$ let us get above ground, and begin to$9$ fill in$5$ the 106:090,27@d | hole. It must be nigh morning already." 106:090,28[A ]| Oh, what moments of agony were those to$4$ me! A burning, 106:090,29[A ]| throbbing pain in$4$ my right side told me that$3$ I was 106:090,30[A ]| wounded, and upon$4$ placing my hand on$4$ the spot I felt that$3$ 106:090,31[A ]| my jumper was saturated with moisture, ~~ blood, no$2$ doubt. 106:090,32[A ]| I fancied that$3$ I had not many minutes to$9$ live, yet the intense 106:090,33[A ]| horror I felt at the bare idea of being left there ~~ 106:090,34[A ]| there, in$4$ that$6#2$ terrible grave, to$9$ die alone and untended, ~~ 106:090,35[A ]| there, close to$4$ the body of the man I had just shot ~~ I can not 106:090,36[A ]| describe. I was about to$9$ halloo to$4$ the retiring diggers, ~~ 106:090,37[A ]| to$9$ beg, to$9$ entreat them to$9$ spare me, when my intention was 106:090,38[A ]| arrested by$4$ a low rumbling sound, such as I had never heard 106:090,39[A ]| before. A moment later the earth trembled around me ~~ the 106:090,40[A ]| air seemed to$9$ vibrate ~~ the rumbling noise increased ~~ a loud 106:091,01[A ]| snap! snap! rang through the mine, and in$4$ accents of horror 106:091,02[A ]| and alarm I heard the Yankee shout, 106:091,02@d | "To$4$ the shaft! to$4$ 106:091,03@d | the shaft for$4$ your lives! The props are giving way! The 106:091,04@d | workings are falling in$5$!" 106:091,05[A ]| It was, indeed, true; the vibration of the double discharge 106:091,06[A ]| had effected more than the putting out of a candle ~~ it had 106:091,07[A ]| loosened the ground above. The wooden props placed here 106:091,08[A ]| and there along the drive had proved unequal to$9$ support 106:091,09[A ]| the additional weight required of them; and before the 106:091,10[A ]| Yankee and his mates could reach the mouth of the shaft, 106:091,11[A ]| tons upon$4$ tons of earth, with a crash like$4$ thunder, rushed 106:091,12[A ]| down upon$4$ them, burying them for*ever beneath its weight. 106:091,13[A ]| I could hear their cries and shrieks ring awfully through 106:091,14[A ]| the mine, but in$4$ a second almost they were stilled for*ever 106:091,15[A ]| in$4$ the silence of death. 106:091,16[A ]| Thus did the punishment of the would-be murderers overtake 106:091,17[A ]| them. They perished by$4$ the very death to$4$ which$6#1$ they 106:091,18[A ]| had doomed me. 106:091,19[A ]| For$4$ some time I remained on$4$ the spot where I had fallen 106:091,20[A ]| through weakness and the loss of blood, expecting every 106:091,21[A ]| moment to$9$ share a similar fate; but at last I became convinced 106:091,22[A ]| that$3$ the danger of being crushed to$4$ death was over, 106:091,23[A ]| and with it came a new longing for$4$ life. I took off my 106:091,24[A ]| cravat and belt, and with them contrived to$9$ bind up$5$ my 106:091,25[A ]| wounds and stanch the flow of blood. I then lay down a 106:091,26[A ]| little to$9$ collect my strength, and called aloud the name of 106:091,27[A ]| Finch, fancying he might still be living. My voice rang 106:091,28[A ]| hollowly through the gloom, but no$2$ reply came ~~ not even a 106:091,29[A ]| groan. It was a childish prejudice, but even the idea of 106:091,30[A ]| being alone with the dead added fresh horror to$4$ my position, 106:091,31[A ]| and I arose, determined to$9$ make at least an effort to$9$ escape. 106:091,32[A ]| I was very weak, and the air was growing close and oppressive, 106:091,33[A ]| but I managed to$9$ stagger forward until my further progress 106:091,34[A ]| in$4$ that$6#2$ direction was arrested by$4$ a wall of clayey earth. 106:091,35[A ]| I shuddered as I touched it. Was it, or was it not, the wall 106:091,36[A ]| of my tomb? 106:091,37[A ]| I resolved to$9$ make a tour of inspection, and ascertain if 106:091,38[A ]| there was any exit from this dreadful spot. The only way 106:091,39[A ]| to$9$ discover this was to$9$ follow the damp wall all around, 106:091,40[A ]| keeping my hand against it as I went, so$3$ as not to$9$ miss any 106:092,01[A ]| narrow branching passage that$6#1$ might lead me to$4$ liberty. I 106:092,02[A ]| at once proceeded to$9$ put the idea into execution, but I had 106:092,03[A ]| hardly got nine paces on$4$ my way when I stumbled over 106:092,04[A ]| something. I put my hand down to$9$ discover what it was, 106:092,05[A ]| and withdrew it hastily, for$3$ it had rested on$4$ the icy countenance 106:092,06[A ]| of my late antagonist, and touched even a hole in$4$ 106:092,07[A ]| the forehead through which$6#1$ the bullet had torn its way. 106:092,08[A ]| Notwithstanding my feelings of horror, I bent down and 106:092,09[A ]| endeavoured to$9$ move the body, but in$4$ doing so$5#2$ discovered 106:092,10[A ]| that$3$ up$5$ to$4$ the shoulders it was buried beneath the fallen 106:092,11[A ]| earth, and thus fixed firmly to$4$ the spot where it lay. This 106:092,12[A ]| showed me how nearly I had escaped destruction, and also 106:092,13[A ]| that$3$ the fallen \9de=bris\ had effectually blocked up$5$ the exit by$4$ 106:092,14[A ]| the way we had entered. 106:092,15[A ]| As I could do the dead man no$2$ good, I now resumed my 106:092,16[A ]| march of discovery, counting my paces as I went, and never 106:092,17[A ]| taking my hand from the damp side of my vault. I had 106:092,18[A ]| counted forty-five paces in$4$ this way, when I again stumbled 106:092,19[A ]| over something, and discovered that$3$, as before, it was the body 106:092,20[A ]| of poor Finch. 106:092,21[A ]| This was the most terrible discovery of all, for$3$ it convinced 106:092,22[A ]| me that$3$ I was really surrounded by$4$ those frightful walls of 106:092,23[A ]| clay ~~ that$3$ every channel of escape was cut off. I threw 106:092,24[A ]| myself on$4$ the cold, wet ground, and wept and prayed by$4$ 106:092,25[A ]| turns. 106:092,26[A ]| At length I fancied that$3$ the air was growing oppressively 106:092,27[A ]| close, and presently it became so$5#1$ bad that$3$ I could scarcely 106:092,28[A ]| breathe. 106:092,29[A ]| This forced me to$4$ renewed exertion. I again made a 106:092,30[A ]| circuit of the loathsome vault, rapping the walls at every 106:092,31[A ]| step with the stock of the revolver which$6#1$ I had used in$4$ the 106:092,32[A ]| duel, and which$6#1$ the Yankee and his gang had forgotten to$9$ 106:092,33[A ]| dispossess me of. 106:092,34[A ]| At length I fancied that$3$ a rap I gave produced a hollow 106:092,35[A ]| sound. A faint hope sprang up$5$ within my breast; I rapped 106:092,36[A ]| again and again. 106:092,37[A ]| I was not deceived; more and more hollowly resounded 106:092,38[A ]| the blows. Hope became a conviction, and I now dug away 106:092,39[A ]| with a short knife that$6#1$ I found in$4$ my pocket. 106:092,40[A ]| I had laboured thus for$4$ about half an hour without 106:093,01[A ]| result. My strength was fast leaving me; my wound had 106:093,02[A ]| begun to$9$ bleed afresh from the exertion, when, just as I was 106:093,03[A ]| about to$9$ give up$5$ in$4$ despair, I found no$2$ resistance to$4$ my 106:093,04[A ]| knife, for$3$ both knife and arm slipped into an aperture, 106:093,05[A ]| through which$6#1$ rays of daylight streamed, together with a 106:093,06[A ]| current of pure air. 106:093,07[A ]| What a feeling of intoxicating joy now took possession of 106:093,08[A ]| me! my strength returned as if by$4$ magic; all feeling of 106:093,09[A ]| faintness passed away. I had soon made the hole big enough 106:093,10[A ]| to$9$ pass my body through; having accomplished which$6#1$, I 106:093,11[A ]| found myself at the bottom of an adjoining shaft, of some 106:093,12[A ]| thirty feet in$4$ depth, the top of which$6#1$ was accessible by$4$ 106:093,13[A ]| means of ladders. 106:093,14[A ]| Up$4$ these ladders (incredible as it may seem) I managed to$9$ 106:093,15[A ]| climb; and when I saw the glorious sun rising above the 106:093,16[A ]| distant mountain range ~~ that$6#2$ sun which$6#1$ I never expected to$9$ 106:093,17[A ]| see more, ~~ and beheld the lovely face of nature, the tent-dotted 106:093,18[A ]| plain, the groups of busy labourers already proceeding 106:093,19[A ]| to$4$ their work, then my strength gave way, and with a wild 106:093,20[A ]| cry of delight I fell insensible to$4$ the ground. Whilst still 106:093,21[A ]| in$4$ an unconscious state, some friendly diggers carried me to$4$ 106:093,22[A ]| our tent, where Matthews and Crawday were in$4$ great alarm 106:093,23[A ]| at my prolonged absence. A doctor was speedily summoned, 106:093,24[A ]| who$6#1$ examined my wound, which$6#1$ he found trifling; the ball 106:093,25[A ]| had first grazed a rib, and the bleeding had been profuse, but 106:093,26[A ]| that$6#2$ was all. In$4$ less than a week I was able to$9$ knock about 106:093,27[A ]| again, and nearly as strong as ever. 107:017;00@@@@@| 107:017;01[A ]| Perhaps life and property were never less secure on$4$ the 107:017;02[A ]| Victorian goldfields than about the end of the year 1852. 107:017;03[A ]| It would not have been so$5#2$ had it not at that$6#2$ period been 107:017;04[A ]| the custom to$9$ fix the district headquarters of the police 107:017;05[A ]| force in$4$ peaceable and orderly neighbourhoods, too far 107:017;06[A ]| distant from those populous but remote gullies which$6#1$ were 107:017;07[A ]| the nightly scenes of deeds of robbery and violence. Every 107:017;08[A ]| evening men were knocked down and brutally treated, 107:017;09[A ]| or ""stuck up$5$"" and robbed. Every night horses were stolen, 107:017;10[A ]| tents broken into, and ""holes"" plundered of gold by$4$ the 107:017;11[A ]| ""night fossickers"" ~~ miscreants who$6#1$ watched for$4$ the richest 107:017;12[A ]| holes during the day, marked them, and plundered them 107:017;13[A ]| at night. At length these desperadoes had become so$5#1$ 107:017;14[A ]| numerous and shameless, and their outrages so$5#1$ frequent, 107:017;15[A ]| at a place called Moonlight*Flat (near Forest*Creek), that$3$ 107:017;16[A ]| the miners rose en masse against them. A public meeting 107:017;17[A ]| was convened, blue-shirted diggers made stirring appeals 107:017;18[A ]| to$4$ their auditory, a deputation was appointed to$9$ proceed 107:017;19[A ]| immediately to$4$ Melbourne to$9$ remonstrate with the Government, 107:017;20[A ]| and to$9$ implore it to$9$ adopt energetic measures for$4$ 107:017;21[A ]| extirpating the ""hordes of ruffians"" that$6#1$ infested their 107:017;22[A ]| neighbourhood, and the persons of many of whom were 107:017;23[A ]| well known there. 107:017;24[A ]| It was during the height of this excitement that$3$ I received 107:017;25[A ]| orders to$9$ quit Forest*Creek, where I had been for$4$ some time 107:018;01[A ]| stationed, and proceed to$4$ Moonlight*Flat, where, in$4$ the 107:018;02[A ]| character of a digger, I was to$9$ make as many discoveries 107:018;03[A ]| and arrests as I could. 107:018;04[A ]| A foot constable named Coulson accompanied me on$4$ the 107:018;05[A ]| expedition. I bore our tent on$4$ my shoulders, my mate carried 107:018;06[A ]| the rest of the traps, and we both started in$4$ good spirits 107:018;07[A ]| for$4$ the scene of our future labours, which$6#1$ we reached by$4$ 107:018;08[A ]| sundown. 107:018;09[A ]| We pitched our tent in$4$ as central a situation as possible, 107:018;10[A ]| and the consequence was that$3$ for$4$ the first night or two not 107:018;11[A ]| a wink of sleep did either of us get. We had encamped in$4$ a 107:018;12[A ]| regular pandemonium. There was murder here, suicide there, 107:018;13[A ]| revolvers cracking, blunderbusses booming, rifles going off, 107:018;14[A ]| balls whistling, one fellow groaning with a broken leg, another 107:018;15[A ]| shouting because he could not find the way to$4$ his hole, and 107:018;16[A ]| a third equally vociferous because he had tumbled into one. 107:018;17[A ]| This man swearing, another praying, a party of returning 107:018;18[A ]| bacchanals chanting various ditties to$4$ different time and tune, 107:018;19[A ]| or rather minus both. Here was one man grumbling because 107:018;20[A ]| he had brought his wife with him, another ditto because he 107:018;21[A ]| had left his wife behind, or sold her for$4$ an ounce of gold or 107:018;22[A ]| a bottle of rum. Donnybrook*Fair was a peaceful scene 107:018;23[A ]| compared to$4$ an evening at Moonlight*Flat, for$3$ here all bad 107:018;24[A ]| human passions seemed to$9$ be seething, making earth a hell. 107:018;25[A ]| Upon$4$ the second evening after my arrival as I was leisurely 107:018;26[A ]| strolling through the camp, my hands in$4$ my pockets, my 107:018;27[A ]| short cutty pipe between my teeth ~~ to$4$ all appearance as 107:018;28[A ]| true a devotee of pick, shovel and cradle as any of the heterogeneous 107:018;29[A ]| mass around me ~~ in$4$ passing a tent that$6#1$ stood a 107:018;30[A ]| little apart from the general run of such like$2$ domiciles, I 107:018;31[A ]| fancied I heard a groan. 107:018;32[A ]| I listened for$4$ a minute or two for$4$ a repetition of the sound, 107:018;33[A ]| which$6#1$ was presently again audible. There could be no$2$ mistake 107:018;34[A ]| about it now, it was a genuine groan, and no$2$ mistake, so$3$ 107:018;35[A ]| feeling that$3$ the stock of my revolver was handy ~~ under my 107:018;36[A ]| jumper ~~ I dashed into the tent, where the first object I beheld 107:018;37[A ]| was a man hanging to$4$ the ridge-pole, his feet some ten inches 107:018;38[A ]| from the ground, and apparently dead. 107:019;01[A ]| To$9$ pull my knife from my pocket and cut him down was 107:019;02[A ]| the work of a moment; this done, I removed the ligature 107:019;03[A ]| from his throat, and upon$4$ examining it, found it to$9$ be a 107:019;04[A ]| black silk handkerchief, with fringed ends. I then used every 107:019;05[A ]| endeavour to$9$ restore the suicide, as I regarded him, to$4$ 107:019;06[A ]| consciousness. After a time I was successful and in$4$ an hour 107:019;07[A ]| or so$5#2$ he was sufficiently recovered to$9$ converse and express 107:019;08[A ]| a desire for$4$ something to$9$ drink. 107:019;09[A ]| I fished up$5$ a bottle from a corner, and took down a mug 107:019;10[A ]| from the side pole. The bottle contained whisky, and we 107:019;11[A ]| were soon hobnobbing over the genial liquor. 107:019;12@a | ""How on$4$ earth did you come to$9$ hang yourself, mate?"" 107:019;12[A ]| I 107:019;13[A ]| asked at length. 107:019;14@e | ""Hang myself!"" 107:019;14[A ]| he retorted, staring me in$4$ the face, 107:019;14@e | ""I never 107:019;15@e | hung myself, I was strung up$5$ by$4$ the three rascals who$6#1$ stole 107:019;16@e | my gold."" 107:019;17@a | ""Eh? what is that$6#2$ you say?"" 107:019;17[A ]| I asked, with a start, for$3$ this 107:019;18[A ]| explanation aroused a professional interest at once within 107:019;19[A ]| my breast. 107:019;19@a | ""It is a case of attempted murder, then, instead 107:019;20@a | of suicide? The night fossickers have been paying you a visit, 107:019;21@a | friend?"" 107:019;22@e | ""They have indeed, mate, and I should have been a dead 107:019;23@e | man in$4$ another minute or two if you had not arrived in$4$ 107:019;24@e | the very nick of time, and cut me down. I owe my life to$4$ 107:019;25@e | you."" 107:019;26@a | ""Never mind that$6#2$, but tell me how all this happened,"" 107:019;26[A ]| I 107:019;27[A ]| said. 107:019;28@e | ""Well, then,"" 107:019;28[A ]| commenced the digger, 107:019;28@e | ""it fell out in$4$ this way. 107:019;29@e | I was just working a new claim, and as the hole looked 107:019;30@e | promising like$5$, I got up$5$ this morning earlier than usual and 107:019;31@e | lost no$2$ time in$4$ setting to$4$ work. I was not long at it before 107:019;32@e | I hit upon$4$ a ""pocket"" full of the precious metal. It lay in$4$ a 107:019;33@e | dark corner of the hole, but my fossicking knife soon brought 107:019;34@e | its glittering beauties to$4$ light. Whilst I was complacently 107:019;35@e | contemplating my treasure I heard someone say, 107:019;35@h | "You have 107:019;36@h | good luck, mate, that$6#2$ is a tidy bit of gold there." 107:019;36@e | I looked 107:019;37@e | up$5$ and saw a tall, lanky digger standing at the brink of the 107:019;38@e | hole, and regarding my discovery with greedy eyes. 107:020;01@e | "Tolerably well," 107:020;01@e | I rejoined curtly, at the same time shifting 107:020;02@e | my revolver to$9$ show the fellow that$3$ I was prepared to$9$ defend 107:020;03@e | it too, if necessary. He made no$2$ reply, but with a grunt and 107:020;04@e | a surly nod, walked away. 107:020;05@e | ""Well, my luck had not quitted me yet. Nugget after nugget 107:020;06@e | did that$6#2$ dirty hole give up$5$, by$4$ knock-off time I had taken 107:020;07@e | out five pounds' weight of gold. Tomorrow being the Sabbath, 107:020;08@e | thirty-six hours of suspense had to$9$ elapse before I could 107:020;09@e | discover whether this was but a mere passing stroke of luck 107:020;10@e | or the herald of continued good fortune. Tonight, for$4$ the 107:020;11@e | first time in$4$ my life, I was really in$4$ dread of an attack, though 107:020;12@e | I kept my success a secret, not even telling my most intimate 107:020;13@e | friends. I did not intend to$9$ do so$5#2$, you may be sure, for$3$ on$4$ 107:020;14@e | Monday morning my first business would have been to$9$ send 107:020;15@e | my gold down to$4$ the escort office for$4$ security. For$4$ the time, 107:020;16@e | however, I was forced to$9$ content myself with "planting" it, 107:020;17@e | which$6#1$ I did just inside the tent, and just below where you 107:020;18@e | now stand; if you move you will$1$ see where the ground has 107:020;19@e | been disturbed. After I had done this not a footstep passed 107:020;20@e | the tent without my imagining myself robbed of my 107:020;21@e | concealed treasures, and it being Saturday night ~~ the 107:020;22@e | noisiest and most riotous one in$4$ the week ~~ my panics were 107:020;23@e | of course neither few nor far between. At last my phantom 107:020;24@e | fears assumed the air of realities ~~footsteps approached close 107:020;25@e | to$4$ the tent, and then stopped. I went out and I looked around, 107:020;26@e | but in$4$ the darkness I could not perceive anyone, so$3$ I came 107:020;27@e | inside again, and as I entered my gaze fell upon$4$ a little round 107:020;28@e | hole cut in$4$ the canvas on$4$ the opposite side. I knew it must 107:020;29@e | have been recently done, but the hole itself did not terrify 107:020;30@e | me, it was the solitary eye that$6#1$ gazed through it and was 107:020;31@e | fixed on$4$ mine. I am no$2$ coward, but I felt an icy chill run 107:020;32@e | through my veins. I plucked my revolver from my belt, but 107:020;33@e | the eye never moved. I pointed it at the hole in$4$ the tent, 107:020;34@e | and was about to$9$ pull the trigger, when my arm was knocked 107:020;35@e | up$5$ from behind and the bullet passed harmlessly through 107:020;36@e | the top of the tent. I found myself in$4$ the grasp of two powerful 107:020;37@e | ruffians with blackened faces, who$6#1$ bound me hand and foot, 107:020;38@e | and threatened to$9$ blow my brains out if I made the least 107:021;01@e | noise. A third robber, a tall, gaunt man, now entered, his 107:021;02@e | face too was blackened. He pointed to$4$ the spot where my 107:021;03@e | gold was buried, and merely uttered the monosyllable, 107:021;03@h | "Dig!" 107:021;04@e | One of the men seized my shovel and set to$4$ work with a 107:021;05@e | will$0$; in$4$ another minute my treasure was discovered, and 107:021;06@e | speedily divided. Then the tall gaunt man again pointed, 107:021;07@e | this time at me, and said the single word, 107:021;07@h | "Hang!" 107:021;08@e | Immediately one of his mates uncoiled a rope from his waist 107:021;09@e | and reeved a noose in$4$ it, but the cord was not long enough; 107:021;10@e | so$3$ the tall man growing impatient, tore off his neckerchief 107:021;11@e | and tossed it to$4$ my executioner, who$6#1$ soon secured it around 107:021;12@e | my throat, and then attached it to$4$ his rope. I now began 107:021;13@e | to$9$ call for$4$ help, but a knock on$4$ the head stunned me, and 107:021;14@e | I remembered no$2$ more till I awoke and found you pouring 107:021;15@e | brandy down my throat, and trying to$9$ bring me around."" 107:021;16@a | ""And the tall man, who$6#1$ seemed to$9$ be leader of these rascals, 107:021;17@a | was the cove who$6#1$ spoke to$4$ you at your hole in$4$ the morning?"" 107:021;18[A ]| I remarked. 107:021;19@e | ""Was he? how do you know?"" 107:021;19[A ]| asked the digger, with a 107:021;20[A ]| look of surprise. 107:021;21@a | ""I do not know, I only conjecture it was he. We members of 107:021;22@a | the police force are apt to$9$ draw our own conclusions pretty 107:021;23@a | readily,"" 107:021;23[A ]| I responded. 107:021;24@e | ""Do you belong to$4$ the force?"" 107:021;24[A ]| asked the digger, with a 107:021;25[A ]| look of pleased surprise. 107:021;26@a | ""I do, and I am here on$4$ secret service,"" 107:021;26[A ]| I said, 107:021;26@a | ""so$3$ you must 107:021;27@a | not betray me, but I am desirous to$9$ aid you to$9$ win back 107:021;28@a | your gold, and to$9$ bring these night fossickers to$4$ justice. They 107:021;29@a | have been a curse to$4$ honest diggers too long; their 107:021;30@a | depredations must be put a stop to$5$. Try now to$9$ recollect 107:021;31@a | whether this tall gaunt man who$6#1$ broke into your tent and 107:021;32@a | so$5#1$ politely hanged you at all resembled the man who$6#1$ came 107:021;33@a | up$5$ to$4$ your hole in$4$ the morning, just as you discovered your 107:021;34@a | pocket of gold?"" 107:021;35@e | ""Why, he was not unlike,"" 107:021;35[A ]| said my new acquaintance, 107:021;36[A ]| scratching his head. 107:021;36@e | ""You see I could not make out his face 107:021;37@e | owing to$4$ its being blackened, but the figure was much the 107:021;38@e | same, and so$5#2$ was the voice, I reckon."" 107:022;01@a | ""Could you swear to$4$ the ringleader of tonight, if you were 107:022;02@a | confronted with him?"" 107:022;03@e | ""Darned if I think I could, but I would swear to$4$ the fellow who$6#1$ 107:022;04@e | came up$5$ to$4$ the hole in$4$ the morning amongst the thousand."" 107:022;05@a | ""Had he got on$5$ a tie like$4$ this?"" 107:022;05[A ]| I asked, producing from 107:022;06[A ]| my pocket the one that$6#1$ had so$5#1$ nearly terminated his 107:022;07[A ]| existence. 107:022;08@e | ""No$7$, he had not,"" 107:022;08[A ]| was the confident reply, 107:022;08@e | ""he wore a blue 107:022;09@e | and white speckedly one."" 107:022;10@a | ""Describe the appearance of the man who$6#1$ spoke to$4$ you 107:022;11@a | in$4$ the morning, and I will$1$ take it down in$4$ my pocket book,"" 107:022;12[A ]| I said. 107:022;13[A ]| The digger complied. 107:022;14@e | ""Tall, thin, feet large and rather splay, shoulders round, 107:022;15@e | complexion sallow, full beard and whiskers of a reddish hue, 107:022;16@e | hair long and dark brown, eyes large, dark, and very fierce. 107:022;17@e | Dress ~~ blue serge jumper, brown billycock hat, blue and 107:022;18@e | white speckledy tie, shepherd's plaid trousers, large pattern."" 107:022;19[A ]| I muttered as I dotted down the separate items, 107:022;19@a | ""That$6#2$ will$1$ 107:022;20@a | do, mate; but can not you recollect anything of the dress or 107:022;21@a | appearance of either of the fellows who$6#1$ stuck you up$5$ and 107:022;22@a | hung you this evening?"" 107:022;23@e | ""No$7$! I can not for$4$ certain; I was struck all of a heap like$5$ with 107:022;24@e | surprise, but I feel sure that$3$ the tall one was the fellow who$6#1$ 107:022;25@e | came to$4$ my claim in$4$ the morning, his eyes had the same 107:022;26@e | scowl, but as for$4$ his togs and those of his mates I did not 107:022;27@e | notice what they were like$4$."" 107:022;28[A ]| Setting my new friend down in$4$ my own mind as an arrant 107:022;29[A ]| paltroon, and seeing that$3$ nothing more was to$9$ be got out 107:022;30[A ]| of him, I began to$9$ more narrowly inspect the neckerchief, 107:022;31[A ]| which$6#1$ had performed the duties of a halter. As I said before, 107:022;32[A ]| it was of black silk with lace ends, but I now noticed that$3$ 107:022;33[A ]| it was moreover made stock fashion, and was intended to$9$ 107:022;34[A ]| fasten behind the neck with two buttons, the ends being 107:022;35[A ]| brought forward in$4$ a double fold, and tied in$4$ a bow in$4$ front. 107:022;36[A ]| There was nothing very unusual in$4$ all this, but what attracted 107:022;37[A ]| my attention was the buttons, on$4$ each of which$6#1$ appeared 107:022;38[A ]| the words, ""CHANNENS ~~ PLYMOUTH."" 107:023;01@a | ""He tried to$9$ hang you with this, mate, did he? What will$1$ 107:023;02@a | you say if I hang him by$4$ it?"" 107:023;03[A ]| The digger gazed at me in$4$ bewilderment. 107:023;04@a | ""Keep a still tongue in$4$ your head, say nothing of having 107:023;05@a | met with me, nor even mention the fact of your having been 107:023;06@a | robbed until Monday. Perhaps by$4$ that$6#2$ time I may have 107:023;07@a | nabbed one or more of these worthies. If you do not see 107:023;08@a | or hear anything of me before, I will$1$ meet you at "The*Promised*Land," 107:023;09@a | old Mack's shanty, at knock-off hour on$4$ 107:023;10@a | that$6#2$ day. Now goodbye, for$3$ I must set to$4$ work at once,' 107:023;11[A ]| and slapping him on$4$ the shoulder, I left the tent. 107:023;12[A ]| It was just ten o'clock when I quitted the digger, but it 107:023;13[A ]| was half past when I reached my own quarters, for$3$ though 107:023;14[A ]| the distance was only half a mile, I walked very slowly, for$3$ 107:023;15[A ]| I was trying to$9$ unravel the mystery that$6#1$ had just presented 107:023;16[A ]| itself. I kept muttering the words 107:023;16@a | ""Channens ~~ Plymouth,"" 107:023;17@a | ""Channens ~~ Plymouth,"" 107:023;17[A ]| for$3$ somehow I fancied that$3$ those 107:023;18[A ]| two words, innocent as they sounded, would alone bring 107:023;19[A ]| the criminals to$4$ justice. 107:023;19@a | ""The probability is, that$3$ this Channens 107:023;20@a | is an outfitter or a tailor at Plymouth,"" 107:023;20[A ]| I thought, 107:023;20@a | ""and that$3$ 107:023;21@a | the wearer of that$6#2$ neckerchief bought it there, and if so$5#2$, 107:023;22@a | most likely he purchased other articles of clothing at the 107:023;23@a | same establishment which$6#1$ bear similarly stamped buttons."" 107:023;24[A ]| The more I pondered upon$4$ this probability, the more likely 107:023;25[A ]| it seemed, and I concluded that$3$ I must somehow obtain an 107:023;26[A ]| inspection of the wardrobe of the tall man of monosyllables, 107:023;27[A ]| come what might of it. 107:023;28[A ]| Fortunately Coulson was in$4$ the tent when I reached it, 107:023;29[A ]| and I told him forthwith every incident of the digger's 107:023;30[A ]| narrative, read him the description of the supposed ringleader 107:023;31[A ]| in$4$ the matter, and then we held a brief consultation, which$6#1$ 107:023;32[A ]| resulted in$4$ a decision to$9$ look in$5$ at every shanty on$4$ the Flat 107:023;33[A ]| that$6#2$ night, and see if we could not hit off the scent somewhere. 107:023;34[A ]| We accordingly lit our pipes, and sauntered out in$4$ different 107:023;35[A ]| directions, in$4$ quest of those who$6#1$ were wanted. 107:023;36[A ]| It was now about eleven o'clock, and the township was 107:023;37[A ]| crowded. Some were out to$9$ purchase provisions for$4$ the 107:023;38[A ]| ensuing weeks, others to$9$ impart and receive news, but the 107:024;01[A ]| greater number to$9$ squander their gettings in$4$ the grog 107:024;02[A ]| shanties, whose glaring lamps of camphine or naptha threw 107:024;03[A ]| a ruddy light over the strange forms that$6#1$ passed and repassed 107:024;04[A ]| beneath them. 107:024;05[A ]| I have no$2$ time to$9$ enter into long descriptions. I was intent 107:024;06[A ]| on$4$ business, and perhaps did not notice the picturesqueness 107:024;07[A ]| of the scene, as an artist or a poet might have done. I had 107:024;08[A ]| eyes alone for$4$ the prey I was tracking, the notorious night 107:024;09[A ]| fossickers. 107:024;10[A ]| I dropped into shanty after shanty, however, without 107:024;11[A ]| success, for$3$ nowhere did I see any one answering the 107:024;12[A ]| description noted in$4$ my pocket book. I was returning home 107:024;13[A ]| vexed and dispirited, when it struck me that$3$ I would re-enter 107:024;14[A ]| one of the grog shops I had previously visited, and 107:024;15[A ]| whose door I was then passing. The thought no$2$ sooner 107:024;16[A ]| entered my head than I acted upon$4$ it. The shanty was even 107:024;17[A ]| more crowded than when I had last visited it, and I recognised 107:024;18[A ]| several new faces. Amongst others, my eyes rested upon$4$ 107:024;19[A ]| a tall lanky fellow, who$6#1$ was leaning over the bar imbibing 107:024;20[A ]| a very stiff glass of brandy and water. He immediately fixed 107:024;21[A ]| my attention, not that$3$ he much resembled the description 107:024;22[A ]| I had received of the man I was in$4$ search of, for$3$ his hair, 107:024;23[A ]| instead of being long and dark, was very short, and of a 107:024;24[A ]| light red hue, whilst as for$4$ whiskers and beard he was quite 107:024;25[A ]| destitute of either. His complexion, too, instead of being 107:024;26[A ]| sallow, was florid and freckled, and his dress did not at all 107:024;27[A ]| accord with that$6#2$ of the man who$6#1$ had visited the digger at 107:024;28[A ]| his hole in$4$ the morning. 107:024;29[A ]| In$4$ spite of all these discrepancies in$4$ look, my suspicions 107:024;30[A ]| were aroused, for$3$ in$4$ all other respects his appearance was 107:024;31[A ]| exact; so$3$, edging up$5$ to$4$ him, I said, 107:024;31@a | ""Well, mate, you and I 107:024;32@a | have met before somewhere."" 107:024;33@h | ""Maybe so$5#2$, but I do not recollect you,"" 107:024;33[A ]| was the surly 107:024;34[A ]| rejoinder, and he cast a searching glance at me as he spoke. 107:024;35@a | ""Perhaps not, for$3$ if my memory do not deceive me, it was 107:024;36@a | before either of us set eyes on$4$ this land of gold."" 107:024;37@h | ""Oh, was it?"" 107:024;37[A ]| he replied more cheerfully. 107:024;37@h | ""Then where do 107:024;38@h | you hail from, mate?"" 107:025;01@a | ""Why I am a down-country man, I am, Plymouth is my native 107:025;02@a | town."" 107:025;03[A ]| The man started. I thought that$3$ I could distinguish tears 107:025;04[A ]| glittering in$4$ his large fierce eyes, but whatever emotion he 107:025;05[A ]| experienced he soon overcame it, and once more turning 107:025;06[A ]| towards me, said, 107:025;06@h | ""You have not much the accent of a 107:025;07@h | Devonshire man."" 107:025;08@a | ""That$6#2$ is because I was brought up$5$ and lived some years 107:025;09@a | in$4$ London, but I am a Plymothian, nevertheless. It is a pretty 107:025;10@a | place, is not it?"" 107:025;11@h | ""Ah, it is, indeed,"" 107:025;11[A ]| rejoined the tall man, with a sigh. 107:025;12@a | ""What part of the Three Towns did you live in$4$, friend?"" 107:025;13[A ]| I asked innocently. 107:025;14@h | ""Why bless your heart, I lived in$4$ ~ in$4$ ~ in$4$ ~ oh, no$7$, I never 107:025;15@h | lived in$4$ Plymouth in$4$ my life. I passed through it once, that$6#2$ is 107:025;16@h | how I came to$9$ know the place."" 107:025;17[A ]| I noticed his hesitation, and thought to$4$ myself, 107:025;17@a | ""Oh, oh, 107:025;18@a | old fellow, you do come from Plymouth. You were about 107:025;19@a | to$9$ confess it, and name the very street you resided in$4$, when 107:025;20@a | suddenly something came into your head that$3$ made you 107:025;21@a | desirous of concealing the fact, as though its knowledge by$4$ 107:025;22@a | a stranger might be dangerous to$4$ you."" 107:025;22[A ]| I did not let my 107:025;23[A ]| thoughts appear upon$4$ my countenance, however, but 107:025;24[A ]| rejoined with an air of disappointment, 107:025;24@a | ""Oh, is that$6#2$ all? I 107:025;25@a | hoped I had fallen in$5$ with a fellow countryman, and yet 107:025;26@a | I could almost swear that$3$ I had seen you there; ay, and in$4$ 107:025;27@a | the shop of my uncle Channens, too."" 107:025;28@h | ""I was never at Channens the tailor's in$4$ my life, I never heard 107:025;29@h | the name before,"" 107:025;29[A ]| ejaculated the fellow, with a terrified start. 107:025;30[A ]| That$6#2$ answer confirmed my suspicions at once. If he had 107:025;31[A ]| never been at Channens' shop, or heard his name, how could 107:025;32[A ]| he know he was a tailor? And if he had been there, and 107:025;33[A ]| did not know him, why should he be afraid to$9$ own it? 107:025;33@a | ""He 107:025;34@a | remembers the buttons on$4$ the neckerchief,"" 107:025;34[A ]| I thought, and 107:025;35[A ]| as events proved, I thought rightly. 107:025;36@a | ""I beg your pardon, sir,"" 107:025;36[A ]| I said in$4$ tones of apology, 107:025;36@a | ""but 107:025;37@a | I did not mean to$9$ offend you. Will$1$ you have a nobbler with 107:025;38@a | me?"" 107:026;01[A ]| The fellow consented, but he imbibed the liquor in$4$ silence, 107:026;02[A ]| and only gave a parting nod when I paid the score, and 107:026;03[A ]| wished him goodnight. He felt that$3$ his tongue had betrayed 107:026;04[A ]| him once, and he did not care to$9$ trust it to$9$ wag again in$4$ 107:026;05[A ]| my presence. 107:026;06[A ]| My reflections, as I walked home, were very satisfactory. 107:026;07[A ]| I felt persuaded that$3$ I was on$4$ the right track, and though 107:026;08[A ]| I was not yet possessed of sufficient proof whereon to$9$ arrest 107:026;09[A ]| the man, I fancied that$3$ it would soon be forthcoming. 107:026;10[A ]| Whilst talking to$4$ the rascal at the shanty, I had contrived, 107:026;11[A ]| unperceived by$4$ him, to$9$ cut a button from his trousers, and 107:026;12[A ]| I had it now in$4$ my waistcoat pocket. It was a brace button, 107:026;13[A ]| and as he wore a belt, he might not discover his loss for$4$ 107:026;14[A ]| some time. When I reached our tent I eagerly lit a candle, 107:026;15[A ]| drew this button from my pocket, and looked at it. Yes, as 107:026;16[A ]| I anticipated, there were the words ""Channens ~~ Plymouth"" 107:026;17[A ]| encircling the rim. 107:026;18[A ]| This was moral evidence sufficient to$9$ satisfy anyone, but 107:026;19[A ]| to$9$ make sure of a conviction the connecting links still required 107:026;20[A ]| strengthening. Besides, I wished to$9$ discover the purloined 107:026;21[A ]| nuggets for$4$ the sake of the poor digger who$6#1$ had lost them, 107:026;22[A ]| and to$9$ do this I must not be too precipitate. 107:026;23[A ]| The idea struck me that$3$ the next night being Sunday, and 107:026;24[A ]| the diggers not at work, that$3$ these night fossickers would 107:026;25[A ]| very probably make an excursion to$4$ the hole that$6#1$ had turned 107:026;26[A ]| out such a pretty nest egg, and try to$9$ plunder from it still 107:026;27[A ]| more of the precious metal. I imparted my suspicions to$4$ 107:026;28[A ]| Coulson, who$6#1$ coincided with my views on$4$ the subject, and 107:026;29[A ]| we resolved to$9$ lie in$4$ ambush close to$4$ the hole, and endeavour 107:026;30[A ]| to$9$ nab them in$4$ the very act. 107:026;31[A ]| Having arranged the whole plan of the campaign over 107:026;32[A ]| a pipe of Barrett's twist, we turned in$5$ for$4$ the night, or rather 107:026;33[A ]| morning, for$3$ it was nearly one o'clock, and had a good sleep. 107:026;34[A ]| The next day was a day of rest, for$3$ the quietness of the 107:026;35[A ]| diggers on$4$ a Sunday is striking. There seems a general 107:026;36[A ]| agreement to$9$ cease from the usual occupations; consequently, 107:026;37[A ]| it is extremely rare to$9$ find anybody engaged in$4$ actual mining 107:026;38[A ]| on$4$ that$6#2$ day. But it will$1$ be easily understood that$3$, situated 107:027;01[A ]| as miners are, they have few resources to$9$ fall back on$4$ for$4$ 107:027;02[A ]| employment of mind or body during that$6#2$ period of rest. Many 107:027;03[A ]| thousands are brought together, separated at once from the 107:027;04[A ]| comforts and restraining influences of a home and family, 107:027;05[A ]| and pursuing a vocation of a speculative and irregular 107:027;06[A ]| character. It was my first Sunday at the Goldfields, so$3$ I noticed 107:027;07[A ]| the way that$3$ the Sabbath was kept with interest. I observed 107:027;08[A ]| some games in$4$ progress, and little groups of people looking 107:027;09[A ]| on$5$. Many were chopping wood, or performing little duties 107:027;10[A ]| about their tents. The pipe seemed a great comfort. Most 107:027;11[A ]| of the diggers were well dressed, and many women and 107:027;12[A ]| children were walking about or sitting at the entrances of 107:027;13[A ]| tents. Bills were posted on$4$ the gum trees along the road, 107:027;14[A ]| intimating that$3$ the minister of some particular sect would 107:027;15[A ]| preach that$6#2$ day, and giving the hour and place. There was, 107:027;16[A ]| however, no$2$ place of worship on$4$ the Flat, and it is not 107:027;17[A ]| surprising that$3$ the camp preachers complained of a thin 107:027;18[A ]| attendance and an uncertain flock, when the skittle alley 107:027;19[A ]| and the shanty offered such strong counter-attractions. 107:027;20[A ]| A month or two later than the period of which$6#1$ I write, 107:027;21[A ]| there was a canvas church erected at Moonlight*Flat. Later 107:027;22[A ]| still an Episcopalian wooden structure, the model whereof 107:027;23[A ]| was evidently taken from Noah's Ark, sprang up$5$ on$4$ the 107:027;24[A ]| township, and then, as though out of a spirit of opposition, 107:027;25[A ]| a stone building, calling itself a Primitive Wesleyan chapel, 107:027;26[A ]| reared its square walls exactly opposite. 107:027;27[A ]| As for$4$ myself, I am sorry to$9$ say I passed the day as idly 107:027;28[A ]| and irreverently as the rest, for$3$ I did nothing but read and 107:027;29[A ]| smoke until nightfall, when Coulson and I made a jolly good 107:027;30[A ]| tea of damper and beefsteak, and it being by$4$ this time quite 107:027;31[A ]| dark, we armed ourselves, and set out for$4$ our ambuscade. 107:027;32[A ]| It was a fine night, but there was no$2$ moon. Still the stars 107:027;33[A ]| shed quite sufficient light for$4$ our purpose, and in$4$ fact a less 107:027;34[A ]| degree of obscurity would have been objectionable. We took 107:027;35[A ]| up$5$ our quarters close to$4$ the hole we came to$9$ watch, being 107:027;36[A ]| hid from view by$4$ the trunk of a gum tree that$6#1$ had recently 107:027;37[A ]| been cut down, and now lay prostrate on$4$ its parent earth 107:027;38[A ]| within a few yards of the hole. 107:028;01[A ]| It was just nine o'clock as we got into ambush, and we 107:028;02[A ]| lay flat on$4$ the ground behind the log for$4$ at least a couple 107:028;03[A ]| of hours, before our attention was attracted by$4$ the slightest 107:028;04[A ]| sound of approaching footsteps. Every few minutes one of 107:028;05[A ]| us would peer over the barrier in$4$ the direction of the 107:028;06[A ]| township, for$3$ the claim we were watching was one of the 107:028;07[A ]| most remote on$4$ the diggings, and there was only a stray 107:028;08[A ]| tent or two within a good quarter of a mile of it. 107:028;09[A ]| We were still in$4$ our ordinary diggers' clothes, but we had 107:028;10[A ]| our trusty revolvers with us, and did not fear encountering 107:028;11[A ]| any three men on$4$ the Flat. 107:028;12@i | ""By$4$ George, Brooke, here they come,"" 107:028;12[A ]| whispered Coulson 107:028;13[A ]| at length, giving me a nudge, and dipping his head out of 107:028;14[A ]| sight. 107:028;15[A ]| I took a momentary peep, and there, sure enough just 107:028;16[A ]| a hundred paces distant, and coming directly towards the 107:028;17[A ]| spot where we lay, were three men. 107:028;18[A ]| Luckily they were approaching from an opposite direction. 107:028;19[A ]| As they drew nearer I could see that$3$ one was very tall 107:028;20[A ]| and lanky, and the others stouter and more compactly built. 107:028;21@a | ""Oh! oh! my friend of the shanty and his mates,"" 107:028;21[A ]| I thought 107:028;22[A ]| to$4$ myself, and sure enough I was right, for$3$ coming straight 107:028;23[A ]| up$5$ to$4$ the hole the tall one jumped in$5$ without hesitation, 107:028;24[A ]| (it was barely nine feet deep), and began fossicking for$4$ his 107:028;25[A ]| life. 107:028;26[X ]| ""Are you sure this is the right 'un, Ned?"" 107:028;26[A ]| asked one of 107:028;27[A ]| his companions from above. 107:028;28@h | ""Right one, of course I am. I know it by$4$ that$6#2$ felled gum 107:028;29@h | tree close by$5$,"" 107:028;29[A ]| was the irritable rejoinder. 107:028;30[A ]| This reply seemed satisfactory, for$3$ the questioner, without 107:028;31[A ]| more ado, leapt into the hole and whipping out his knife 107:028;32[A ]| set to$4$ work with a will$0$ while the third rascal kept watch 107:028;33[A ]| at the top. 107:028;34[A ]| The dark lantern they had lit shed no$2$ light above the surface 107:028;35[A ]| of the shaft, so$3$ that$3$ although we could hear every movement 107:028;36[A ]| below and distinguish every word uttered, yet the form of 107:028;37[A ]| the sentinel, though not more than half a dozen paces from 107:028;38[A ]| us, was barely discernible. 107:029;01[A ]| Coulson was anxious to$9$ rush out and capture the fellows 107:029;02[A ]| there and then, but upon$4$ my whispering to$4$ him that$3$ such 107:029;03[A ]| a course might prevent us from ever discovering where they 107:029;04[A ]| had concealed the treasure stolen from the digger's tent, and, 107:029;05[A ]| indeed, prevent us from bringing the attempted murder home 107:029;06[A ]| to$4$ them as speedily as if we spied their movements a little 107:029;07[A ]| longer, he altered his views and agreed with me that$3$ it was 107:029;08[A ]| wiser to$9$ watch and wait. 107:029;09@k | ""There is a nugget, by$4$ the powers, as big as a pigeon's egg,"" 107:029;10[A ]| ejaculated one of the fossickers in$4$ accents of delight. 107:029;11@l | ""Ay, ay, that$6#2$ is a good haul anyhow,"" 107:029;11[A ]| grunted his mate. 107:029;12@h | ""What have you found, Bill?"" 107:029;12[A ]| interrogated the first speaker, 107:029;13[A ]| who$6#1$ by$4$ his voice I knew to$9$ be the worthy whom I had 107:029;14[A ]| so$5#1$ effectually pumped at the shanty. 107:029;15@k | ""Find! why not much: two or three bits the size of shirt 107:029;16@k | buttons, that$6#2$ is all,"" 107:029;16[A ]| was the dissatisfied reply. 107:029;17[A ]| There was silence now for$4$ a few minutes, but at length 107:029;18[A ]| one of the fellows grunted, 107:029;18@k | ""I am blowed if I can find anything 107:029;19@k | worth taking. It is hard work and little pay, that$6#2$ is what it 107:029;20@k | is."" 107:029;21@h | ""I do not think so$5#2$, Bill, I do not dislike the work,"" said the 107:029;22@h | other. 107:029;23@k | ""No$7$, perhaps not, with your pigeon's eggs; but I am not 107:029;24@k | in$4$ luck, and I tell you what, I do not see the fun at all of 107:029;25@k | working in$4$ these damp dismal holes at the dead of night, 107:029;26@k | and breaking one's back with the stooping, when there is 107:029;27@k | lots of tents on$4$ the Flat with the nuggets ready cut and 107:029;28@k | dried for$4$ us."" 107:029;29@h | ""Yes, that$6#2$ is all very well, but tent work is a dangerous game 107:029;30@h | to$9$ play too often. There is sometimes as much lead as gold 107:029;31@h | to$9$ be got. You do not always come across a rank coward such 107:029;32@h | as the one we strung up$5$ the other night."" 107:029;33@k | ""Maybe not, but there is generally a safe and sure way of 107:029;34@k | doing these things if a fellow only bides his time. Why, I have 107:029;35@k | made away or helped to$9$ make away with nine men since 107:029;36@k | I entered the profession, and struck up$5$ and robbed about 107:029;37@k | twenty more, and I have never had a ball through me yet."" 107:029;38@h | ""Nor been nabbed?"" 107:030;01@k | ""No$7$, nor been nabbed, but then I was never such a fool 107:030;02@k | as to$9$ hang my man with my best Sunday necktie, particularly 107:030;03@k | when it bore my tailor's mark upon$4$ it."" 107:030;04@h | ""Cuss you, Bill hold your jaw about that$6#2$ neckerchief. It was 107:030;05@h | a stupid piece of business I own, and I must go and cut 107:030;06@h | the fellow down tonight, and get possession of it again. I 107:030;07@h | do not suppose anyone has discovered the body yet, the tent is 107:030;08@h | in$4$ such a lonely place."" 107:030;09@k | ""No$2$ fear of that$6#2$, the fellow might hang there for$4$ a month 107:030;10@k | of Sundays, and nobody would miss him. Moonlight*Flat 107:030;11@k | is not the spot for$4$ neighbourly kindness and attention, I 107:030;12@k | reckon."" 107:030;13@h | ""Nevertheless I will$1$ cut him down tonight, that$6#2$ booby at the 107:030;14@h | shanty with his Plymouth talk and his Uncle Channens made 107:030;15@h | me feel uncomfortable like$5$."" 107:030;16@k | ""Oh! hang him, he is a fool he is. A new chum and no$2$ 107:030;17@k | mistake. I heard him jabbering away to$4$ you a good 'un, and 107:030;18@k | wondered how you could abide him so$5#1$ patiently. There is 107:030;19@k | nothing to$9$ be feared from him."" 107:030;20@h | ""Maybe you are right; at all events I have cut every button 107:030;21@h | off my togs that$6#1$ answers to$4$ the name of Channens, so$3$ that$3$ 107:030;22@h | if the infernal necktie should attract attention they can not bring 107:030;23@h | the matter home to$4$ me. I have not been three times imprisoned 107:030;24@h | and twice transported for$4$ nothing, mate."" 107:030;25@k | ""And it strikes me that$3$ you will$1$ not be scragged for$4$ nothing 107:030;26@k | in$4$ the end. The mare with three legs will$1$ never have a more 107:030;27@k | worthy rider than Spider-legged Ned the Night Fossicker."" 107:030;28@h | ""Dang it, Bill, hold your jaw and turn the lantern this way. 107:030;29@h | I see the gleam of gold."" 107:030;30[A ]| During the whole of the preceding conversation the fellows 107:030;31[A ]| had not for$4$ a moment ceased from their labours, but from 107:030;32[A ]| their silence on$4$ the subject we concluded that$3$ they had not 107:030;33[A ]| had any finds. Now, however, we could hear them grunting 107:030;34[A ]| unqualified praises over the gleaming nuggets that$6#1$ their 107:030;35[A ]| fossicking knives had, without doubt, exposed to$4$ view, and 107:030;36[A ]| this excitement was shared by$4$ the sentinel above, for$3$, relaxing 107:030;37[A ]| his vigilance, he lay down on$4$ his stomach and peered into 107:030;38[A ]| the hole to$9$ catch a glimpse of the glittering treasure. To$9$ judge 107:031;01[A ]| from his smothered ejaculation of 107:031;01@l | ""Oh my!"" ""By$4$ George!"" ""What 107:031;02@l | beauties!"" ""What sparklers!"" 107:031;02[A ]| his admiration was unbounded, 107:031;03[A ]| and so$5#1$ long did it continue that$3$ his mates at length warned 107:031;04[A ]| him angrily to$9$ return to$4$ his duty. 107:031;05[A ]| At length they resumed their labours, which$6#1$ they 107:031;06[A ]| continued for$4$ another hour, and then we observed them 107:031;07[A ]| hand up$5$ a bag to$4$ their companion on$4$ the surface, and clamber 107:031;08[A ]| out of the hole. When, after gazing cautiously around as 107:031;09[A ]| though timid of observation, they began to$9$ retrace their steps 107:031;10[A ]| towards the township. 107:031;11[A ]| Letting them get some distance the start of us, we emerged 107:031;12[A ]| from our ambuscade, and guided by$4$ the sound of their 107:031;13[A ]| footsteps more than by$4$ seeing them, for$3$ heavy clouds had 107:031;14[A ]| now obscured the starlight and it was very dark, we managed 107:031;15[A ]| with great trouble and difficulty to$9$ keep on$4$ their trail. Instead 107:031;16[A ]| of making straight for$4$ the township, they skirted it, crossing 107:031;17[A ]| the most dangerous line of country for$4$ unfenced shafts and 107:031;18[A ]| deserted holes on$4$ the Flat. It was now with no$2$ little risk 107:031;19[A ]| that$3$ we kept on$4$ their track, for$3$ every moment we were in$4$ 107:031;20[A ]| danger of our lives; still, we managed it somehow. 107:031;21[A ]| We had proceeded in$4$ this manner about a mile or so$5#2$, when 107:031;22[A ]| we heard a sharp cry from before us, and the unmistakable 107:031;23[A ]| sound of a heavy body falling down a deep pit, rebounding 107:031;24[A ]| from side to$4$ side in$4$ its descent, and at last plunging with 107:031;25[A ]| a hollow splash into water at the bottom. 107:031;26[A ]| We paused at once in$4$ our advance, for$3$ we knew that$3$ it 107:031;27[A ]| must be one of the night fossickers, who$6#1$, in$4$ the thick darkness, 107:031;28[A ]| had walked right into a hole. 107:031;29[A ]| The echo of footsteps in$4$ front ceased suddenly. 107:031;30@k | ""By$4$ George, he must have fallen into the old Tolvadden 107:031;31@k | shaft, the deepest on$4$ the Flat. He is as dead as a door nail 107:031;32@k | by$4$ this time, poor fellow,"" 107:031;32[A ]| remarked a voice, which$6#1$ I 107:031;33[A ]| recognised as Bill's. 107:031;34@h | ""Yes, it is the Tolvadden shaft; and he must be dead, for$3$ it is 107:031;35@h | nearly a hundred and fifty feet deep,"" 107:031;35[A ]| rejoined the other of the 107:031;36[A ]| two survivors, whom I knew to$9$ be Mr Channens' customer. 107:031;37@k | ""Tom! Tom! speak man if you are alive,"" 107:031;37[A ]| shouted Bill down 107:031;38[A ]| the hole. 107:032;01@h | ""Fool! would you risk alarming the neighbourhood?"" 107:032;01[A ]| hissed 107:032;02[A ]| his comrade in$4$ his ear, pulling him away from the shaft. 107:032;03@h | ""He has not got the bag of gold with him. Come along with 107:032;04@h | you."" 107:032;05@k | ""Ned, I believe you pushed him in$5$, by$4$ G~~ I do!"" 107:032;06@h | ""Dolt! idiot! Why should I push him in$5$? The man never 107:032;07@h | harmed me. I tell you he fell in$5$ by$4$ accident, and as he is 107:032;08@h | quite sure to$9$ be dead, come away. We can do no$2$ good to$4$ 107:032;09@h | him by$4$ staying here, and we risk our own safety."" 107:032;10@k | ""Well if I thought he was dead I would not mind, but I 107:032;11@k | do not like$1$ the idea of deserting a mate. Honour amongst 107:032;12@k | thieves, you know."" 107:032;13@h | ""He must be dead, I tell you. He can not be other than dead. 107:032;14@h | It would be more than a miracle if he had a spark of life 107:032;15@h | in$4$ him,"" 107:032;15[A ]| said Spider-legged Ned, impatiently, as he forcibly 107:032;16[A ]| dragged his companion away. 107:032;17@a | ""Come along, Coulson"" 107:032;17[A ]| I whispered. 107:032;17@a | ""That$6#2$ Ned is an out-and-out 107:032;18@a | scoundrel but the poor fellow must be killed, and 107:032;19@a | our business this night is with the living more than the dead."" 107:032;20[A ]| The ground now became clearer, but still required wary 107:032;21[A ]| walking. The two fossickers strode on$5$ in$4$ silence, for$3$ stray 107:032;22[A ]| tents were now scattered around the neighbourhood. At 107:032;23[A ]| length, after about three-quarters of a mile more had been 107:032;24[A ]| traversed, they came to$4$ a momentary halt, and then made 107:032;25[A ]| their way to$4$ a tent that$6#1$ stood about fifty yards in$4$ the rear 107:032;26[A ]| of two others. This they entered, and we immediately posted 107:032;27[A ]| ourselves on$4$ the outside, where, through a rent in$4$ the canvas, 107:032;28[A ]| we could observe all that$6#1$ passed within. 107:032;29[A ]| A light was soon struck, a tallow dip lighted and stuck 107:032;30[A ]| in$4$ an old bottle, which$6#1$, for$4$ want of a table whereon to$9$ stand 107:032;31[A ]| it, was placed on$4$ the ground. My friend of the shanty then 107:032;32[A ]| fished a bottle of rum out of an obscure corner of the tent, 107:032;33[A ]| together with a broken wine glass and a horn cup. Reserving 107:032;34[A ]| the latter for$4$ himself on$4$ account of its holding the largest 107:032;35[A ]| measure, Spider-legged Ned filled both to$4$ the brim, and 107:032;36[A ]| handing the wine glass to$4$ his friend, said, 107:032;36@h | ""A drop of this 107:032;37@h | will$1$ keep up$5$ your pecker, man; you look as crestfallen as 107:032;38@h | if you were going to$9$ be married."" 107:033;01@k | ""Do I?"" 107:033;01[A ]| said Bill drily. 107:033;01@k | ""Then you look as crestfallen as if 107:033;02@k | you were going to$9$ be hanged."" 107:033;03@h | ""Do not fear, mate. The rope that$6#1$ is to$9$ hang me has not been 107:033;04@h | woven, I shall cheat the gallows yet,"" 107:033;04[A ]| answered the other 107:033;05[A ]| with a laugh. 107:033;05@h | ""But to$4$ work, Bill. We are losing precious time. 107:033;06@h | Let us bury the gold, and then go and cut down the digger."" 107:033;07@k | ""All right, Ned ~~ to$4$ work!"" 107:033;08[A ]| Spider-legged Ned took a long dram out of the bottle on$4$ 107:033;09[A ]| the excuse that$3$ there was no$2$ time to$9$ stand upon$4$ ceremony, 107:033;10[A ]| and his companion was not slow in$4$ following his example. 107:033;11[A ]| Then Ned laid hands on$4$ his shovel and began to$9$ dig a hole 107:033;12[A ]| wherein to$9$ deposit the stolen treasure. 107:033;13@k | ""Why not bury it in$4$ the same pit that$6#1$ we dug for$4$ the nuggets 107:033;14@k | that$6#1$ we shook from the tent last night, just under that$6#2$ box, 107:033;15@k | mate?"" 107:033;15[A ]| asked Bill, as he lit his pipe. 107:033;16@h | ""Because there is safety in$4$ scattering it,"" 107:033;16[A ]| was the reply. 107:033;16@h | ""Do not 107:033;17@h | you know that$3$ there are as great rascals as ourselves on$4$ the 107:033;18@h | Flat? Well, suppose some scamp was to$9$ discover us one day 107:033;19@h | burying gold, he might contrive to$9$ outwit us in$4$ some way, 107:033;20@h | sharp as we are, and then if all our earnings was hid in$4$ one 107:033;21@h | hole he would just get the lot, but if we bury what we get every 107:033;22@h | time in$4$ a fresh place, he would only discover one nest egg 107:033;23@h | and the other would be safe. Then these traps, too ~~"" 107:033;24@k | ""Dang the traps. Do not start that$6#2$ subject, because I do not 107:033;25@k | like$1$ it. Thank heaven there are none of them idle, prying, 107:033;26@k | mischief-making fellows on$4$ this Flat; if there was, I should 107:033;27@k | soon make myself scarce. Just get on$5$ with your work, Ned, 107:033;28@k | it is two o'clock in$4$ the morning."" 107:033;29[A ]| Ned readily complied, and dug away for$4$ very life. When 107:033;30[A ]| he had reached a depth of about a couple of feet, the bag 107:033;31[A ]| of nuggets was dropped in$5$, the hole filled up$5$, the earth 107:033;32[A ]| trodden down, and an old sack thrown carelessly over the 107:033;33[A ]| spot until the ground should resume its usual aspect. 107:033;34[A ]| The rum bottle was now again had recourse to$5$, and pretty 107:033;35[A ]| nearly polished off, and then the two worthies prepared to$9$ 107:033;36[A ]| set out for$4$ the tent of the digger whom they had plundered 107:033;37[A ]| and thought they had murdered the night before, with the 107:033;38[A ]| intention of cutting him down, in$4$ order to$9$ recover the necktie 107:034;01[A ]| whose buttons Spider-legged Ned feared might possibly 107:034;02[A ]| prove troublesome to$4$ him. 107:034;03@h | ""I daresay you think me a fool, Bill,"" 107:034;03[A ]| he said, as though 107:034;04[A ]| to$9$ apologise for$4$ a feeling which$6#1$ his mate might consider 107:034;05[A ]| childish and fidgety, 107:034;05@h | ""but when you have studied the world 107:034;06@h | and literature as I have done, particularly the "Police Gazette" 107:034;07@h | and "Newgate Calendar", you will$1$ be aware that$3$ trifles often 107:034;08@h | lead to$4$ great discoveries."" 107:034;09@k | ""Perhaps so$5#2$, perhaps so$5#2$, Ned. These nice calculations are not 107:034;10@k | much in$4$ my line, but there was always a spark of the lawyer 107:034;11@k | in$4$ you, so$3$ if you must do the thing why come and do it."" 107:034;12@h | ""All right, man; but can not you lend me a spare handkercher, 107:034;13@h | it is a bitter cold morning, and I have got a sore throat, anything 107:034;14@h | will$1$ do that$6#1$ keeps the wind out and the warmth in$5$,"" 107:034;14[A ]| said 107:034;15[A ]| Spider-legged Ned, coughing. 107:034;16@k | ""No$7$, I can not. I do not wear such nick-nacks and I do not keep 107:034;17@k | them to$9$ lend to$4$ my friends. For$4$ heaven's sake do not be so$5#1$ 107:034;18@k | old womanish, but come along,"" 107:034;18[A ]| replied Bill, testily. 107:034;19@a | ""Follow me, Coulson, quickly, the moment has come,"" 107:034;19[A ]| I 107:034;20[A ]| whispered to$4$ my comrade, and creeping round to$4$ the tent 107:034;21[A ]| door, I entered, and taking the identical scarf from my pocket, 107:034;22[A ]| held it towards Master Ned, exclaiming, 107:034;22@a | ""My countryman 107:034;23@a | from Plymouth is very welcome to$9$ wear a scarf of my Uncle 107:034;24@a | Channens if his throat is sore, and he will$1$ accept the loan."" 107:034;25[A ]| Spider-legged Ned recognised both me and the neckerchief 107:034;26[A ]| in$4$ a minute. I saw his cheek pale and his lip quiver, but 107:034;27[A ]| he recovered his pluck almost instantly, and stammered, 107:034;28@h | ""Who$6#2$ the fury are you and your Uncle Channens? What 107:034;29@h | brings you here? And whose old cravat is that$6#2$ in$4$ your hand?"" 107:034;30@a | ""I will$1$ answer your questions backwards, sir,"" 107:034;30[A ]| I answered, 107:034;31[A ]| sternly. 107:034;31@a | ""The cravat is your own, and it is the one with which$6#1$ 107:034;32@a | you hung a digger named John*Ivy. Channens is the name 107:034;33@a | of the outfitter in$4$ Plymouth where you bought that$6#2$ cravat. 107:034;34@a | My name is James*Brooke. I am a detective officer. And lastly, 107:034;35@a | my business here is to$9$ arrest you on$4$ the charges of robbery 107:034;36@a | with violence, and as being an escaped convict from Western 107:034;37@a | Australia."" 107:034;38@k | ""Take that$6#2$ for$4$ your trouble, trap,"" 107:034;38[A ]| cried a voice close by$4$ 107:035;01[A ]| me, and I saw Ned's mate covering me with his revolver, 107:035;02[A ]| but before he could pull the trigger Coulson rushed in$5$, and 107:035;03[A ]| with one blow sent him head over heels to$4$ the other end 107:035;04[A ]| of the tent, where, springing upon$4$ him before he could 107:035;05[A ]| recover himself, he wrenched away his weapon, and clapped 107:035;06[A ]| the darbies on$4$ him in$4$ a trice. 107:035;07[A ]| Meanwhile, however, I was having a desperate tussle with 107:035;08[A ]| Spider-legged Ned, who$6#1$ made an effort to$9$ rush past me and 107:035;09[A ]| escape, but I caught him a blow on$4$ his chin that$6#1$ sent him 107:035;10[A ]| reeling. I did not like$1$ to$9$ fire my revolver, as Government 107:035;11[A ]| discountenanced the use of firearms if a capture could 107:035;12[A ]| possibly be effected without, and a week previously one of 107:035;13[A ]| the mounted troopers had been discharged from the service 107:035;14[A ]| and imprisoned for$4$ being too ready with his pistols. 107:035;15[A ]| Ned came to$4$ the scratch again in$4$ a minute. He dared not 107:035;16[A ]| draw his own weapon, for$3$ it was covered by$4$ his jumper, 107:035;17[A ]| and he knew that$3$ before he could handle it I could shoot 107:035;18[A ]| him down, so$3$ he suddenly lowered his head and made a 107:035;19[A ]| butt at me, as a bull would do, a style of fighting much 107:035;20[A ]| in$4$ vogue amongst the niggers of the West*Indies. He 107:035;21[A ]| calculated, doubtless, that$3$ I should jump on$4$ one side, and 107:035;22[A ]| that$3$ thus he could dart by$4$ me and out of the tent. But he 107:035;23[A ]| calculated without his host, for$3$ I tripped him up$5$ as he passed, 107:035;24[A ]| and then stunned him with a blow on$4$ the head from the 107:035;25[A ]| stock of my pistol, after which$6#1$ I handcuffed him. 107:035;26[A ]| For$4$ fear of a riot amongst the rowdies, we at once marched 107:035;27[A ]| the prisoners out of the camp, which$6#1$, by$4$ the time the first 107:035;28[A ]| streaks of daylight showed themselves in$4$ the east, was four 107:035;29[A ]| miles in$4$ our rear. By$4$ eleven o'clock we reached an out-station 107:035;30[A ]| of the mounted police: the two fossickers were thrown into 107:035;31[A ]| different cells, and the next morning brought before two 107:035;32[A ]| justices of the peace, who$6#1$, upon$4$ our united evidence, and 107:035;33[A ]| that$6#2$ of John*Ivy the plundered digger, who$6#1$ swore that$3$ Spider-legged 107:035;34[A ]| Ned was the man who$6#1$ had held the conversation 107:035;35[A ]| with him at his hole the preceding Saturday morning, and 107:035;36[A ]| closely answered the appearance and possessed a similar 107:035;37[A ]| voice to$4$ the man who$6#1$ had prompted the others to$9$ hang 107:035;38[A ]| him the same evening, they were both committed to$9$ stand 107:036;01[A ]| their trial at the ensuing criminal sessions at Melbourne. 107:036;02[A ]| John*Ivy recovered the gold stolen from his tent, as well 107:036;03[A ]| as that$6#2$ subsequently plundered from his claim, for$3$ we had 107:036;04[A ]| heard the fellows confess where the former had been secreted, 107:036;05[A ]| and beheld the latter buried. The rascal, too, who$6#1$ had fallen 107:036;06[A ]| down the shaft, was not killed by$4$ the fall, but was hauled 107:036;07[A ]| out of the pit the following day by$4$ some miners who$6#1$ 107:036;08[A ]| happened to$9$ be passing the Tolvadden claim, and heard his 107:036;09[A ]| cries for$4$ help. Spider-legged Ned had pushed him in$5$, 107:036;10[A ]| doubtless, to$9$ save sharing the plundered gold with him, and 107:036;11[A ]| Tom*Jude, for$3$ such was the man's name, was so$5#1$ enraged 107:036;12[A ]| against his treacherous mate, that$3$ he turned Queen's 107:036;13[A ]| evidence, and disclosed every iniquity that$6#1$ this trio of ruffians 107:036;14[A ]| had committed on$4$ the diggings. 107:036;15[A ]| Without his assistance our links of evidence were so$5#1$ 107:036;16[A ]| complete that$3$ we should have been sure of a conviction on$4$ 107:036;17[A ]| at least three charges. But Tom*Jude's testimony disclosed 107:036;18[A ]| even more serious crimes. Three murders against Spider-legged 107:036;19[A ]| Ned, or, as he was called in$4$ the indictment, Edward*barton 107:036;20[A ]| alias Edward*Brunton, alias Thomas*Dunn, alias 107:036;21[A ]| Michael*Dunealy, and two murders and sundry other crimes 107:036;22[A ]| against his comrade Bill, or William*Hagarty, the result of 107:036;23[A ]| which$6#1$ was that$3$ they were condemned to$4$ death, and were 107:036;24[A ]| duly executed at the Central Gaol Melbourne, about three 107:036;25[A ]| weeks or a month later. 108:114,00@@@@@| 108:114,00[' ]| 108:114,01[A ]| One day during my stay at a gold-field called the Galunga*Diggings, 108:114,02[A ]| I was walking leisurely down a gully, when I 108:114,03[A ]| heard a lusty hurrahing at a neighbouring hole, and perceived 108:114,04[A ]| a digger with whom I was acquainted by$4$ sight running 108:114,05[A ]| towards me. A moment later he stood breathless at 108:114,06[A ]| my side, and invited me to$9$ go and see a nugget nearly as big 108:114,07[A ]| as his finger. No$2$ nuggets had yet been found close on$4$ that$6#2$ 108:114,08[A ]| spot, but only small gold, so$3$ the discovery seemed to$4$ me 108:114,09[A ]| rather surprising. I hastened on$5$, however, but before I 108:114,10[A ]| could gain the spot I heard a man say, 108:114,10@b | "Well, I have sold 108:114,11@b | the nugget and my hole for$4$ five pounds fifteen." 108:114,12@a | "Where is the nugget?" 108:114,12[A ]| I asked. 108:114,13@b | "Oh!" 108:114,13[A ]| said he, 108:114,13@b | "the man who$6#1$ bought it has gone off with 108:114,14@b | it." 108:114,15[A ]| Now I found out that$3$ there really was a nugget, but I also 108:114,16[A ]| conjectured that$3$ it had first been put in$5$ by$4$ this fellow, an 108:114,17[A ]| old Bendigo digger, in$4$ order to$9$ sell his hole. The nugget 108:114,18[A ]| was probably worth half the purchase money, and the hood-winked 108:114,19[A ]| buyer of the hole might dig on$5$ with ardour but would 108:114,20[A ]| soon come down to$4$ the rock, and scarcely a particle of gold 108:114,21[A ]| reward his pains. 108:114,22[A ]| This trick for$4$ getting rid of a worthless hole is called 108:114,23[A ]| \salting a claim\. 108:114,24[A ]| In$4$ order to$9$ enable my readers, or such of them as have not 108:114,25[A ]| worked at the diggings, better to$9$ understand this tale, I will$1$ 108:114,26[A ]| relate some of the circumstances under which$6#1$ gold is generally 108:114,27[A ]| found. 108:114,28[A ]| At the surface diggings the gold is discovered lying on$4$ the 108:115,01[A ]| very top to$4$ the depth of from six to$4$ fourteen inches, and sometimes 108:115,02[A ]| still deeper. These diggings have always been on$4$ the face 108:115,03[A ]| or side of a hill, and generally such a hill faces east or south-east. 108:115,04[A ]| It is found in$4$ all sorts of earth, excepting the \black\ 108:115,05[A ]| \alluvial soil\, in$4$ or amongst gravelly earth, and small quartz, 108:115,06[A ]| or in$4$ hard, marly clay. The average yield of this sort of 108:115,07[A ]| diggings is about an ounce of gold to$4$ a cart-load of earth, and 108:115,08[A ]| three men with a cradle can dig up$5$ and wash six or seven 108:115,09[A ]| loads a day. It was at this kind of diggings that$3$ a party of 108:115,10[A ]| three, whom I knew, obtained in$4$ eleven days 37*oz% 2*dwts% 108:115,11[A ]| each. But some of the surface-diggings yield much more. 108:115,12[A ]| In$4$ some particular spots parties of three or four have obtained 108:115,13[A ]| 300, 400, and 500, even in$4$ one instance 800 ounces in$4$ two or 108:115,14[A ]| three days; but taking them all together they yield about an 108:115,15[A ]| ounce to$4$ a load of earth. In$4$ sinking, the deepest of the holes 108:115,16[A ]| might be eighteen or twenty feet, certainly not deeper; and 108:115,17[A ]| the shallowest two, three, and four feet, so$3$ that$3$ the average 108:115,18[A ]| would be about eight or ten feet. As they keep sinking they 108:115,19[A ]| try a dishful of the earth occasionally until they find that$3$ it will$1$ 108:115,20[A ]| pay for$4$ washing. They frequently find a few particles from 108:115,21[A ]| within a couple of feet from the top, but they in$4$ general have 108:115,22[A ]| to$9$ go within a foot of the rock before they find it to$9$ pay them; 108:115,23[A ]| it is then found sometimes in$4$ a hard, marly substance. The 108:115,24[A ]| rocks are mostly blue or grey slate, and in$4$ general covered 108:115,25[A ]| with a few inches of tough clay, in$4$ which$6#1$ gold is seldom or 108:115,26[A ]| ever found. But on$4$ the top of the clay a bed of small gravel 108:115,27[A ]| is found in$4$ which$6#1$ gold most abounds, the nuggets and larger 108:115,28[A ]| pieces being often discovered in$4$ this gravel. 108:115,29[A ]| Now the nugget which$6#1$ the fraudulent digger had pretended 108:115,30[A ]| to$9$ discover in$4$ order to$9$ get rid of his hole, he stated he had 108:115,31[A ]| found in$4$ this lower-stratum of clay; a very improbable thing 108:115,32[A ]| in$4$ itself, but it was still more improbable that$3$, having made 108:115,33[A ]| such a discovery, he would be willing to$9$ sell his hole without 108:115,34[A ]| making further search, for$4$ so$5#1$ small a sum as five pounds 108:115,35[A ]| fifteen, or rather two pounds seventeen, after deducting the 108:115,36[A ]| value of the nugget. 108:115,37@a | "I must keep my eye upon$4$ that$6#2$ fellow," 108:115,37[A ]| I thought to$4$ 108:115,38[A ]| myself; but as the affair would only amount to$4$ a misdemeanour, 108:115,39[A ]| even if he was convicted on$4$ the charge, and the 108:116,01[A ]| result be merely a few months' imprisonment at the most, I 108:116,02[A ]| did not trouble myself much about it; thinking that$3$ Mr%*James*Donnithorne 108:116,03[A ]| would be sure to$9$ put his foot deeper into 108:116,04[A ]| the mire before long, and consequently be a fatter prize for$4$ 108:116,05[A ]| capturing. 108:116,06[A ]| It was about a fortnight after the transfer of the salted 108:116,07[A ]| claim that$3$ I came across Donnithorne's victim. He was a 108:116,08[A ]| young man of scarcely twenty-five years of age. He must 108:116,09[A ]| once have been handsome, but now his face had grown very 108:116,10[A ]| haggard and thin, his cheekbones become unduly prominent, 108:116,11[A ]| and his face of nearly the colour of old parchment. It was 108:116,12[A ]| on$4$ the evening of the day upon$4$ which$6#1$ he had deserted his 108:116,13[A ]| hole, upon$4$ proving it to$9$ be a duffer, and I do not think I ever 108:116,14[A ]| saw a fellow look so$5#1$ cut up$5$ in$4$ my life. I soon managed to$9$ 108:116,15[A ]| make his acquaintance, and then discovered that$3$ he was quite 108:116,16[A ]| a new chum, and that$3$ this was the first claim he had ever 108:116,17[A ]| worked: in$4$ fact he had only been in$4$ the colony about three 108:116,18[A ]| months, and on$4$ the diggings as many weeks. 108:116,19[A ]| I asked him to$9$ come to$4$ Poole's shanty and do a chop and 108:116,20[A ]| a nobbler with me, an invitation he readily accepted, and as 108:116,21[A ]| it was early in$4$ the day we got a room all to$4$ ourselves, where, 108:116,22[A ]| chops and etceteras disposed of, my new acquaintance became 108:116,23[A ]| communicative, and I had no$2$ great difficulty in$4$ getting him 108:116,24[A ]| to$9$ narrate his history, which$6#1$ ran, as nearly as I remember, as 108:116,25[A ]| follows: ~~ 108:116,26@c | "My name is John*Tucker. I was born at Marazion, a 108:116,27@c | small town or rather village in$4$ the extreme west of England, 108:116,28@c | situated on$4$ the shores of Mount's*Bay. My father was a 108:116,29@c | fisherman, an honest man and an upright, but from early 108:116,30@c | boyhood I aspired to$4$ a higher position than that$6#2$ to$4$ which$6#1$ he 108:116,31@c | had attained. My education in$4$ the village school did not 108:116,32@c | content me. My natural talent, my steadiness of character, 108:116,33@c | and my earnest desire to$9$ rise in$4$ the world, interested the 108:116,34@c | clergyman of the parish in$4$ my favour. He offered to$9$ aid 108:116,35@c | my views by$4$ giving me lessons in$4$ Euclid, mathematics and 108:116,36@c | natural science. I eagerly accepted his offer, and I have 108:116,37@c | every reason to$9$ believe that$3$ I did justice to$4$ the efforts of my 108:117,01@c | kind teacher, for$3$ I learnt quickly, and what is more I remembered 108:117,02@c | what I learnt. I determined to$9$ make for$4$ myself 108:117,03@c | a name, and as I had a passionate longing to$9$ be a sailor, I 108:117,04@c | bound myself an apprentice on$4$ board a merchantman. 108:117,05@c | During the first year or two of my apprenticeship I spent 108:117,06@c | every leisure moment in$4$ study, and in$4$ order to$9$ buy the necessary 108:117,07@c | books I became a teetotaller, and in$4$ their purchase spent 108:117,08@c | the money which$6#1$ else had been squandered in$4$ the public-house. 108:117,09@c | At the age of twenty ~~ I was second mate, at 108:117,10@c | twenty-three I passed my examination as first mate, and now 108:117,11@c | at no$2$ long period of time ahead I saw a mastership in$4$ perspective. 108:117,12@c | At this period of my life I fell in$4$ love with a very 108:117,13@c | beautiful girl some eight years my junior. My love was 108:117,14@c | more madness than anything else, as first love generally is. 108:117,15@c | However, the young lady favoured my advances with encouragement, 108:117,16@c | and within a month we were engaged, the 108:117,17@c | marriage being appointed to$9$ come off directly I obtained the 108:117,18@c | rank of master, which$6#1$ I hoped to$9$ do in$4$ some twelve or 108:117,19@c | thirteen months time. A few weeks after my engagement 108:117,20@c | I went to$4$ sea again, but only for$4$ a short voyage, and 108:117,21@c | when I returned my lady love seemed as glad as ever to$9$ see 108:117,22@c | me, and exhibited every demonstration of constancy and 108:117,23@c | devotion. Well, I could not stay at home long, much as I 108:117,24@c | desired to$9$ do so$5#2$. I was suddenly recalled to$4$ my ship, which$6#1$ 108:117,25@c | was lying at Liverpool, and a week later we were on$4$ the wide 108:117,26@c | sea again, bound for$4$ the Greek ports with a cargo of miscellaneous 108:117,27@c | merchandise, or, as the Yankees would term it, 108:117,28@c | ""notions."" We made a prosperous run, discharged cargo at 108:117,29@c | Corfu and at some of the neighbouring islands, and reloaded 108:117,30@c | with wines, preserved fruit, oil, &c., with which$6#1$ we ran home 108:117,31@c | in$4$ about six weeks. Again Liverpool was our port, and no$2$ 108:117,32@c | sooner had we been warped alongside the wharf than I 108:117,33@c | obtained a week's leave and went down by$4$ rail to$4$ Plymouth, 108:117,34@c | whither Eva*Field, my \9fiance=e\, had been taken by$4$ her mother 108:117,35@c | for$4$ the benefit of her health, it being feared that$3$ she was 108:117,36@c | consumptive. I had not received a letter from her for$4$ a long 108:117,37@c | time, although she knew well the ports at which$6#1$ our vessel 108:117,38@c | would touch, and had promised to$9$ send a letter to$4$ each 108:117,39@c | one consecutively to$9$ await my arrival. Only one of these 108:118,01@c | promised epistles had come to$4$ hand, and that$6#2$ was a very 108:118,02@c | short note, and anything but a comforting one. I knew that$3$ 108:118,03@c | she was very variable in$4$ temperament, passionate, suspicious, 108:118,04@c | and jealous, so$3$ I did not think very deeply of all this, concluding 108:118,05@c | that$3$ half an hour's conversation would set all right 108:118,06@c | again; and as in$4$ a fortnight's time I meant to$9$ go in$5$ for$4$ my 108:118,07@c | examination for$4$ master, I trusted that$3$ she would marry me 108:118,08@c | off hand, spend the honeymoon in$4$ Liverpool, and take the 108:118,09@c | first voyage with me in$4$ the vessel I should be appointed to$4$. 108:118,10@c | All these fine hopes were destined to$9$ be crushed, and that$6#2$ 108:118,11@c | speedily. I had great difficulty in$4$ finding Eva's whereabouts, 108:118,12@c | but at last ~~ more by$4$ chance than otherwise ~~ discovered 108:118,13@c | that$3$, with her mother and sisters, she occupied 108:118,14@c | apartments in$4$ Union*Street; in$4$ fact it was through seeing 108:118,15@c | one of her sisters looking out of a first-floor window as I 108:118,16@c | passed along that$3$ I did find it out at all. I was asked to$9$ 108:118,17@c | walk in$5$, and met with a kind reception, but Eva? ~~ I looked 108:118,18@c | for$4$ her in$4$ vain. 108:118,19@c | ""Where is Eva?"" I asked; and the answer I received 108:118,20@c | made my brain whirl and my heart nearly burst with grief 108:118,21@c | and passion. The mother told me ""that$3$ Eva had grown very 108:118,22@c | intimate with a young surgeon who$6#1$ lived a little way down 108:118,23@c | the street: that$3$ she visited him daily, in$4$ defiance of her 108:118,24@c | commands to$4$ the contrary, and that$3$ she feared he had not 108:118,25@c | not only alienated her affection from her parents, but won her 108:118,26@c | love from me."" 108:118,27@c | I happened to$9$ know this young fellow. I had been 108:118,28@c | acquainted with him for$4$ a long time, and was aware that$3$ he 108:118,29@c | bore the reputation of being tolerably steady, and of fair 108:118,30@c | moral character. I knew also that$3$ he had known Eva for$4$ 108:118,31@c | some years, and had always been on$4$ speaking terms with her, 108:118,32@c | so$3$ I did not fancy that$3$ matters were so$5#1$ far gone as Mrs%*Field 108:118,33@c | had represented them to$9$ be. I said I would walk down Union*Street 108:118,34@c | to$4$ his house, and let her see that$3$ I had returned, and 108:118,35@c | this I accordingly did at once. It was only a five minutes' 108:118,36@c | stroll, so$3$ I was presently knocking at his door. Eva must 108:118,37@c | have seen me pass, for$3$ she answered the door herself. She 108:118,38@c | was very pale, and greeted me very coldly; called me 108:118,39@c | ""Tucker,"" and told me to$9$ wait in$4$ the doorway while she 108:119,01@c | went in$5$ and put on$5$ her hat and shawl. She was about five 108:119,02@c | minutes doing this, and I heard a tittering inside which$6#1$ I 108:119,03@c | have no$2$ doubt was at my expense. At last she came out, 108:119,04@c | and said ""that$3$ Mr%*Smith had told her to$9$ ask me in$5$, but 108:119,05@c | that$3$ she had made an excuse for$4$ me because I had my rough 108:119,06@c | sailors' clothes on$5$."" I made no$2$ reply, and we walked home 108:119,07@c | together; but no$2$ sooner had we got into her mother's sitting-room 108:119,08@c | than she commenced upbraiding me in$4$ the most bitter 108:119,09@c | manner for$4$ things whereof I was perfectly guiltless, and 108:119,10@c | demanded a return of all the letters she had written me, and 108:119,11@c | that$3$ I would consider our engagement at an end. 108:119,12@c | My passion was now aroused, for$3$ I had loved the girl 108:119,13@c | truly and devotedly, and this treatment pierced me to$4$ the 108:119,14@c | heart. I threw the letters she had written me ~~ and which$6#1$ 108:119,15@c | until now I had kept in$4$ a pocket next my heart ~~ into the 108:119,16@c | fire, and watched the flames consume them with a feeling of 108:119,17@c | savage glee. Then I turned towards her, pointed to$4$ the 108:119,18@c | quivering ashes, and without a word, quitted the house. I 108:119,19@c | was too proud to$9$ call next day and try to$9$ make my peace, 108:119,20@c | which$6#1$ I believe I should have succeeded in$4$ doing, but by$4$ the 108:119,21@c | first train in$4$ the morning went down to$4$ Marazion on$4$ a visit 108:119,22@c | to$4$ my father and mother. 108:119,23@c | Three days later I saw in$4$ \The*Cornish*Telegraph\ an 108:119,24@c | announcement of the marriage of Eva*Field to$4$ John*Smith, 108:119,25@c | and then I regretted my precipitation, and that$3$ I had not 108:119,26@c | made some overtures towards a reconciliation ere it was too 108:119,27@c | late. I learnt about a week later, from a relative of the 108:119,28@c | bride's, that$3$ she had only married to$9$ spite me, and for$4$ the 108:119,29@c | reason that$3$ she believed I had been leading a gay life in$4$ 108:119,30@c | Liverpool. I was more riled than ever with her upon$4$ 108:119,31@c | hearing this, and fancying from what I heard, that$3$ though 108:119,32@c | married she loved me still, and more to$9$ avenge myself than 108:119,33@c | for$4$ any other reason, returned to$4$ Liverpool, and, like$4$ an idiot 108:119,34@c | that$6#1$ I was, got married in$4$ less than a week to$4$ a girl whom I 108:119,35@c | had never known before. 108:119,36@c | Well, after this all my chance of passing for$4$ master was 108:119,37@c | gone. My capabilities for$4$ study vanished. I took to$4$ hard 108:119,38@c | drinking, and in$4$ my next voyage, owing to$4$ being drunk 108:119,39@c | on$4$ watch, I got the ship on$4$ the rocks, where she became a 108:120,01@c | total wreck, though, happily, no$2$ lives were lost. Of course, 108:120,02@c | all hopes of promotion were up$5$ after that$6#2$. I took a hatred 108:120,03@c | to$4$ the sea; and having received a letter from my brother 108:120,04@c | some time previously, narrating how well he was doing in$4$ 108:120,05@c | Australia, I resolved to$9$ come out with my wife and child. 108:120,06@c | After a three months' voyage, we dropt anchor in$4$ Port*Phillip*Bay, 108:120,07@c | landed the next morning, and went to$4$ the 108:120,08@c | address mentioned in$4$ my brother's letter. Imagine my surprise 108:120,09@c | upon$4$ learning that$3$ this brother, whom we at home 108:120,10@c | thought was doing so$5#1$ well, had become bankrupt (he was a 108:120,11@c | saddler by$4$ trade), and gone nobody knew whither. Neither 108:120,12@c | I nor my wife knew another soul in$4$ the colony, and we had 108:120,13@c | only twenty pounds in$4$ our pockets. Out of that$6#2$ money we 108:120,14@c | bought a tent, pick, shovel, and other camp requisites, and 108:120,15@c | set out for$4$ the diggings. When we arrived here I had but 108:120,16@c | six pounds in$4$ my pocket, and while looking about me the 108:120,17@c | day after, I was fool enough to$9$ credit that$6#2$ d***d cheat 108:120,18@c | Donnithorne, and give him five pounds fifteen for$4$ a hole 108:120,19@c | not worth a straw." 108:120,20[A ]| ~~ ~~ ~~ 108:120,21[A ]| I saw that$3$ the poor fellow was actually desponding; he 108:120,22[A ]| had but sixpence in$4$ the world, his wife was prostrated with 108:120,23[A ]| Colonial fever, and, in$4$ short, he was in$4$ as unpleasant a 108:120,24[A ]| quandary as ever fell to$4$ the lot of a new arrival on$4$ a gold 108:120,25[A ]| field. I was really sorry for$4$ him, but what could I do? I 108:120,26[A ]| could only give him plenty of sympathy, which$6#1$ I did, and 108:120,27[A ]| also promised to$9$ use every endeavour to$9$ bring to$4$ justice the 108:120,28[A ]| scamp who$6#1$ had sold him the salted claim. Urging him by$4$ 108:120,29[A ]| all means to$9$ avoid meeting the fellow and taking the law 108:120,30[A ]| into his own hands, which$6#1$, from his violent denunciations 108:120,31[A ]| and threats I feared he intended to$9$ do. After a second and 108:120,32[A ]| third nobbler, however, my new acquaintance cooled down, 108:120,33[A ]| and soon after took his leave. 108:120,34[A ]| Now when I had been first shown the nugget with which$6#1$ 108:120,35[A ]| the fraudulent digger had salted his claim, I felt convinced 108:120,36[A ]| that$3$ he had never found it in$4$ the hole from which$6#1$ he pretended 108:120,37[A ]| to$9$ have dug it. This hole lay where a watercourse 108:120,38[A ]| had once been, and I was sufficiently a miner to$9$ know that$3$ 108:120,39[A ]| gold found in$4$ the watercourse, or in$4$ those places where 108:121,01[A ]| watercourses formerly existed, is always more or less smooth 108:121,02[A ]| and water-worn. This nugget,however, was a rough, nubbly 108:121,03[A ]| one, such an one in$4$ fact as would be found in$4$ a hole \on$4$ the\ 108:121,04[A ]| \side of a hill\, in$4$ what is known as a surface digging, where 108:121,05[A ]| gold is invariably of the roughest kind, as having been least 108:121,06[A ]| exposed to$4$ friction, never having been in$4$ a watercourse. 108:121,07[A ]| I believe this fact alone would have been sufficient whereon 108:121,08[A ]| to$9$ convict the fellow, but my plan was always to$9$ make 108:121,09[A ]| things doubly sure, and I determined to$9$ wait a while, and, if 108:121,10[A ]| possible, catch my man in$4$ some piece of rascality that$6#1$ I 108:121,11[A ]| could bring more directly home to$4$ him. I conjectured that$3$ 108:121,12[A ]| he would soon mark out another claim, and that$3$ if after a 108:121,13[A ]| week of two's digging he found nothing in$4$ it, he would salt 108:121,14[A ]| it as he had done the last, and try to$9$ get rid of it in$4$ the 108:121,15[A ]| same manner. 108:121,16[A ]| I soon contrived to$9$ introduce myself to$4$ the fellow, for$3$ 108:121,17[A ]| etiquette at the diggings is somewhat lax, and before long 108:121,18[A ]| ingratiated myself into his confidence. 108:121,19[A ]| He was a stout, broad-chested fellow of about forty: none 108:121,20[A ]| of your brutal-looking roughs, but bearing the cringing servility 108:121,21[A ]| of a petty tradesman, united with the foppish impudence 108:121,22[A ]| of a town swell. His face was smooth shaven, a rare 108:121,23[A ]| thing in$4$ the diggings; and this, aided by$4$ a pair of silver-rimmed 108:121,24[A ]| spectacles, gave him somewhat the appearance of a 108:121,25[A ]| dissenting minister; but there was a snakey glitter in$4$ his 108:121,26[A ]| small, twinkling, steel-grey eyes, that$6#1$ betokened cunning and 108:121,27[A ]| deceit as plainly as though the words were written on$4$ his 108:121,28[A ]| narrow, contracted forehead. He was generally dressed in$4$ a 108:121,29[A ]| seedy suit of black, plentifully clay bedaubed, and said his 108:121,30[A ]| name was Donnithorne, though his general cognomen amongst 108:121,31[A ]| the diggers was "Sexton," often qualifield by$4$ an adjective 108:121,32[A ]| more forcible than elegant to$4$ ears polite. In$4$ nature he 108:121,33[A ]| seemed decidedly genial, had a word for$4$ everybody, and was 108:121,34[A ]| ready to$9$ take a drink with any*one, though I must confess 108:121,35[A ]| that$3$ I never saw him stand anything in$4$ return. It was this 108:121,36[A ]| amiable little weakness of his that$6#1$ enabled me so$5#1$ easily to$9$ 108:121,37[A ]| gain his friendship; and as whenever I met him I offered to$9$ 108:121,38[A ]| shout, I had numerous opportunities of studying his character, 108:121,39[A ]| and of pumping him with advantage. 108:122,01[A ]| It was about a month after the imbibing of our first 108:122,02[A ]| friendly nobbler that$3$ I one day met Jimmy*Donnithorne in$4$ 108:122,03[A ]| the street of the township. A pretty spectacle he presented. 108:122,04[A ]| His left leg was bandaged up$5$, his right arm was in$4$ a sling, 108:122,05[A ]| and his face looked at least a yard longer than usual, which$6#1$ 108:122,06[A ]| is saying a good deal. He walked with a crutch, and his 108:122,07[A ]| old blackened tin billy hung from his belt. 108:122,08@a | "Why, Jimmy, what the deuce is up$5$?" 108:122,08[A ]| I exclaimed, upon$4$ 108:122,09[A ]| meeting him in$4$ this plight. 108:122,10@b | "Oh, Mr%*Brooke, a sad accident. ""Man proposes, but God 108:122,11@b | disposes,"" you know. Here am I with a crushed foot and a 108:122,12@b | broken arm, just as I had a stroke of luck too. Oh dear! 108:122,13@b | oh dear." 108:122,14[A ]| I strove to$4$ the best of my power to$9$ soothe the sufferer, 108:122,15[A ]| and I assisted him into a neighbouring shanty, where I got 108:122,16[A ]| him into a private room at the back, ordered brandies hot 108:122,17[A ]| for$4$ two, and pressed him to$9$ narrate his adventures. 108:122,18@b | "Ah, Mr%*Brooke, it is an unlucky man I am. Here I am 108:122,19@b | laid up$5$ for$4$ a good six months, and the most splendid hole I 108:122,20@b | ever worked lost to$4$ me. Alas! what shall I do?" 108:122,20[A ]| And he 108:122,21[A ]| groaned aloud in$4$ his distress. 108:122,22@a | "How did you meet with such an accident?" 108:122,22[A ]| I asked. 108:122,23@b | "The earth fell in$5$, man. I suppose the ground was 108:122,24@b | loosened by$4$ the rains, and I had neglected to$9$ prop up$5$ the 108:122,25@b | sides of the hole. It was a wonder that$3$ I was not killed on$4$ 108:122,26@b | the spot, or else buried alive beneath the refuse, it was indeed. 108:122,27@b | As it happened, I was just able to$9$ limp out of the shaft 108:122,28@b | and crawl to$4$ the doctor, who$6#1$, as you know, lives close by$5$, and 108:122,29@b | he says that$3$ I shall be unfit for$4$ work for$4$ at least six months." 108:122,30@a | "Upon$4$ my honour, Jimmy, I am very sorry," 108:122,30[A ]| I remarked, 108:122,31[A ]| assuming an expression of commiseration. 108:122,32@b | "Sorry! I am ***, my friend. But it is the loss of the 108:122,33@b | precious gold that$6#1$ grieves me, even more than does the bodily 108:122,34@b | pains. Such a find! Oh, what an unlucky dog I am!" 108:122,35@a | "I do not exactly understand you, Jimmy," 108:122,35[A ]| said I. 108:122,36[A ]| The wounded digger cast upon$4$ me a glance of pity, doubtless 108:122,37[A ]| at my stupidity, and screwing round his head over his 108:122,38[A ]| his shoulder, winked his left eye, and muttered, 108:122,38@b | "Look in$4$ 108:122,39@b | my billy, mate, that$6#2$ will$1$ answer you." 108:123,01[A ]| I raised the lid as desired, and I saw at the bottom of the 108:123,02[A ]| billy eight or nine nuggets of gold. 108:123,03@b | "Take them up$5$ and look at them," 108:123,03[A ]| said Jimmy. 108:123,04[A ]| I readily did so$5#2$. They were nuggets, sure enough. The 108:123,05[A ]| largest was about the size of a walnut, the smallest somewhat 108:123,06[A ]| bigger than a broad bean. 108:123,07@a | "Mate, you are in$4$ luck," 108:123,07[A ]| I observed, replacing the bits of 108:123,08[A ]| gold at the bottom of the billy. 108:123,09@b | "Luck do you call it?" 108:123,09[A ]| he growled. 108:123,09@b | "Why, I had just 108:123,10@b | discovered a pocketful of golden nuggets, some as big as 108:123,11@b | little pears, but I had only just picked up$5$ these haphazard from 108:123,12@b | the lot when the earth fell in$5$ and buried it all again, nearly 108:123,13@b | killing me into the bargain." 108:123,14@a | "What a pity you are so$5#1$ badly hurt, Donnithorne. You 108:123,15@a | must look out for$4$ a mate now, and divide all finds with 108:123,16@a | him," 108:123,16[A ]| I said. 108:123,17@b | "Mate? Not I! I am so$5#1$ badly hurt that$3$ I must manage 108:123,18@b | to$9$ get to$4$ town and have more skilful medical attendance 108:123,19@b | than that$6#2$ of the drunken stupid doctor here. I must try 108:123,20@b | and sell my hole, that$6#2$ is what I must do. A mate might rob 108:123,21@b | me whilst I was away." 108:123,22@a | "And what would you take for$4$ the hole?" 108:123,23@b | "A hundred and fifty pounds down on$4$ the nail, and not a 108:123,24@b | penny less. There is more than that$6#2$ amount of gold in$4$ the 108:123,25@b | pocket from which$6#1$ I got this. It would not take a week to$4$ 108:123,26@b | shovel out the landslip." 108:123,27[A ]| I began to$9$ smell a rat. I had suspicions that$3$ Master*Jimmy 108:123,28[A ]| was acting a part with me, but I replied innocently, 108:123,29@a | "Well, Donnithorne, perhaps that$6#2$ would be your best plan. 108:123,30@a | I would buy your claim myself had I but the blunt to$9$ do so$5#2$; 108:123,31@a | as it is, however, I will$1$, if you will$1$ lend me one of the smallest 108:123,32@a | of your nuggets, try and get you a purchaser, you giving me 108:123,33@a | five per*cent on$4$ the purchase money if I introduce a deal." 108:123,34@b | "Done, mate," 108:123,34[A ]| responded the digger, grasping my hand 108:123,35@b | "You see I am unable to$9$ move about much, and so$3$ might 108:123,36@b | miss a chance of a good bargain. Take one of the nuggets, 108:123,37@b | big or little, and then just help me into the bar, for$3$ I might 108:123,38@b | do a stroke of business with a stray customer of Mother*Reece's." 108:123,39[A ]| 108:124,01[A ]| I did as he requested, selected the second largest nugget 108:124,02[A ]| amongst his selection, transferred it to$4$ my pocket, helped 108:124,03[A ]| him on$5$ to$4$ his feet, or rather his foot and crutch, amidst 108:124,04[A ]| many groans and contortions of countenance, as though the 108:124,05[A ]| movement caused him acute anguish, and then assisted him 108:124,06[A ]| into the bar, where I propped him up$5$ against the counter, 108:124,07[A ]| ordered a drink of brandy hot, which$6#1$ I placed before him, 108:124,08[A ]| and then bade him good*day and quitted the shanty. As I 108:124,09[A ]| sauntered down the street I could hear his shrill cracked 108:124,10[A ]| voice re-spinning his yarn to$4$ two sturdy diggers who$6#1$ had 108:124,11[A ]| dropped into the "Rose*and*Crown" for$4$ their morning 108:124,12[A ]| nobbler. 108:124,13[A ]| Before returning to$4$ my tent I entered another shanty in$4$ 108:124,14[A ]| order to$9$ get a snack of lunch. As I walked into the bar the 108:124,15[A ]| mail coach from Melbourne rattled up$5$, and hastily securing 108:124,16[A ]| a copy of \The*Argus\, I threw myself into a chair, and was 108:124,17[A ]| soon quickly devouring its contents. The English mail had 108:124,18[A ]| just arrived, so$3$ that$3$ the paper was full of home news, and in$4$ 108:124,19[A ]| a few minutes I was so$5#1$ thoroughly engrossed in$4$ the still 108:124,20[A ]| damp broadsheet, as completely to$9$ have forgotten the existence 108:124,21[A ]| of Jimmy*Donnithorne and his nuggets to$4$ boot. 108:124,22[A ]| Suddenly, however, both were recalled to$4$ my mind as my 108:124,23[A ]| eye rested on$4$ the following paragraph: ~~ 108:124,24@z | "BIRMINGHAM FRAUD ON$4$ OUR VICTORIAN GOLD FIELDS. ~~ 108:124,25@z | \We are in$4$ receipt of advice that$3$ spurious nuggets and gold\ 108:124,26@z | \dust are being extensively manufactured in$4$ Birmingham, for$4$\ 108:124,27@z | \Australian consignees, either to$9$ be sold to$4$ gold buyers, or else\ 108:124,28@z | \for$4$ the purpose of ""peppering"" or ""salting"" claims for$4$ fraudulent\ 108:124,29@z | \sale on$4$ the diggings. Some of this spurious metal\ 108:124,30@z | \arrived by$4$ the ""Marco*Polo,"" on$4$ Thursday last; and a box\ 108:124,31@z | \full was captured by$4$ the police. The strongest acids have been\ 108:124,32@z | \applied, but the metal was so$5#1$ well and strongly gilded as to$9$\ 108:124,33@z | \resist the tests ordinarily applied. We were present at Mr%*John*Cohen's\ 108:124,34@z | \gold sale yesterday, and saw some of this fictitious\ 108:124,35@z | \compound of the form of shot, in$4$ which$6#1$ shape the gold\ 108:124,36@z | \is found with a slight pellicle hanging to$4$ it; but it was agreed\ 108:124,37@z | \upon$5$ by$4$ all present that$3$ the imitation was most ingeniously\ 108:124,38@z | \contrived, and when acids were applied by$4$ Mr%*Hall, a jeweller\ 108:124,39@z | \and purchaser for$4$ the banks, the metal was not to$9$ be acted\ 108:125,01@z | \upon$5$. The extent to$4$ which$6#1$ this nefarious trade is being carried\ 108:125,02@z | \on$5$ between Birmingham and the Colonies, and with what\ 108:125,03@z | \degree of success, is unknown, and will$1$ remain so$5#2$ until our\ 108:125,04@z | \next advices from England are received. The loss to$4$ some\ 108:125,05@z | \will$1$, no$2$ doubt, be a very serious matter. This is not a very\ 108:125,06@z | \creditable affair for$4$ the workshop of the world to$9$ be connected\ 108:125,07@z | \with, but several other frauds are at present being perpetrated\ 108:125,08@z | \in$4$ connection with the gold deposits and gold dealing; one of\ 108:125,09@z | \a much more serious character is the following, viz%: ~~ The\ 108:125,10@z | \adulteration of gold with twenty per*cent% of copper, or as\ 108:125,11@z | \it was stated in$4$ evidence at the Police*Court in$4$ Bendigo on$4$\ 108:125,12@z | \Wednesday last, with Muntz metal."\ 108:125,13[A ]| I had no$2$ sooner concluded the perusal of this paragraph, 108:125,14[A ]| than I felt a firm conviction that$3$ worthy Jimmy*Donnithorne's 108:125,15[A ]| nuggets were no$2$ other than spurious Birmingham compound, 108:125,16[A ]| that$3$ his having found them in$4$ his hole was all a hoax, and 108:125,17[A ]| that$3$ his smashed foot and broken arm was a trick got up$5$ to$9$ 108:125,18[A ]| enable him to$9$ sell a worthless claim at a higher price. I at 108:125,19[A ]| once started for$4$ my tent, where I subjected the little nugget 108:125,20[A ]| in$4$ my possession to$4$ nitric acid, and then to$4$ aquafortis, but 108:125,21[A ]| to$4$ my chagrin it defied both tests. I was, however, unchanged 108:125,22[A ]| in$4$ my impression by$4$ this, and I determined that$6#2$ 108:125,23[A ]| very day to$9$ start for$4$ Melbourne, and submit it to$4$ the most 108:125,24[A ]| skilful chemists in$4$ the city; when, if its worthlessness was 108:125,25[A ]| discoverable, I would obtain a warrant and return and arrest 108:125,26[A ]| Mr%*Donnithorne at once. 108:125,27[A ]| First of all, I resolved to$9$ call on$4$ the doctor to$4$ whose surgery 108:125,28[A ]| Donnithorne said he had crawled after his accident. I 108:125,29[A ]| did so$5#2$, and found the surgeon at home. Upon$4$ asking him 108:125,30[A ]| whether upon$4$ a certain night a man with a smashed foot and 108:125,31[A ]| a broken arm had called upon$4$ him, he told me point blank 108:125,32[A ]| that$3$ he had not attended a patient for$4$ either kind of accident 108:125,33[A ]| for$4$ more than a month, and that$3$ on$4$ the night in$4$ question the 108:125,34[A ]| only person who$6#1$ had sought his medical assistance was a 108:125,35[A ]| woman to$9$ have a tooth extracted. I therefore bade him good-day, 108:125,36[A ]| begging him not to$9$ tell any*one of my visit, and once more 108:125,37[A ]| bent my steps homewards, if my little shabby tent on$4$ the bleak 108:125,38[A ]| hillside could be called \home\. 108:125,39[A ]| On$4$ my road I had to$9$ pass down the street of the township, 108:126,01[A ]| and when I had nearly reached the further end, I met a man 108:126,02[A ]| walking wildly along, his hat crushed over his eyes, his step 108:126,03[A ]| irregular, his face pale and haggard as that$6#2$ of a dying man. 108:126,04[A ]| By$4$ the bright moonlight I recognised John*Tucker, the 108:126,05[A ]| digger who$6#1$ had purchased Donnithorne's duffer claim for$4$ 108:126,06[A ]| L5*15s%, the day after his arrival on$4$ the Flat. 108:126,07@a | "Why, Tucker, what is the matter?" 108:126,07[A ]| I asked, laying a 108:126,08[A ]| hand on$4$ his arm as he was about to$9$ pass me. 108:126,09[A ]| The man started, and his face flushed for$4$ a moment, then 108:126,10[A ]| he said, 108:126,10@c | "Oh! it is you, Mr%*Brooke." 108:126,11@a | "Yes, it is I; but you ~~ why, bless my heart, I scarcely 108:126,12@a | knew you." 108:126,13@c | "Ah! no$2$ wonder ~~ no$2$ wonder," 108:126,13[A ]| he murmured abstractedly. 108:126,14@a | "What, still out of luck? You look regularly down in$4$ 108:126,15@a | the mouth," 108:126,15[A ]| I said. 108:126,16@c | "Out of work! Yes, and far worse than that$6#2$: my wife 108:126,17@c | died last night, died of starvation, and I am now looking for$4$ 108:126,18@c | her murderer." 108:126,19@a | "I am sorry to$9$ hear \that$6#2$\, very sorry. But, \starvation\: 108:126,20@a | how did that$6#2$ happen? Surely you could have got work 108:126,21@a | somewhere." 108:126,22@c | "I tried ~~ I tried, Mr%*Brooke. I kept working at that$6#2$ 108:126,23@c | cursed hole of Donnithorne's till I got to$4$ my last sixpence. 108:126,24@c | Then I tried to$9$ get employment from some*one else, but I 108:126,25@c | tramped over the diggings day after day without success, nobody 108:126,26@c | would give me a job. I would have left the field, for$3$ 108:126,27@c | I could have got plenty of work, at high wages, anywhere in$4$ 108:126,28@c | the country; but, by$4$ this time, my wife was stricken down 108:126,29@c | with Colonial fever, and could not be moved. I dared not 108:126,30@c | leave her alone in$4$ such a place, so$3$ still kept looking, hoping, 108:126,31@c | praying for$4$ work on$4$ the Flat. Well, I never got it, my wife 108:126,32@c | sank day by$4$ day, the doctor who$6#1$ attended her gratuitously 108:126,33@c | said that$3$ she was dying from want of proper nourishment; 108:126,34@c | last night, at eleven o'clock, she breathed her last. And 108:126,35@c | now, as I said before, I am looking for$4$ her murderer." 108:126,36@a | "Whom you \consider\ to$9$ be Donnithorne?" 108:126,36[A ]| I observed 108:126,37[A ]| He nodded assent. 108:126,38@a | "And what do you mean to$9$ do by$4$ him?" 108:126,39@c | "Shoot him down as I would a dog. Do not I owe all my 108:127,01@c | misery to$4$ him? Did not he cheat me of my money? But 108:127,02@c | for$4$ him my wife would not have died, I should not now 108:127,03@c | perhaps be a beggar. No$7$, no$7$, I have sworn to$9$ shoot him, and 108:127,04@c | I will$1$." 108:127,05@a | "Nonsense, Tucker; by$4$ that$6#2$ course you will$1$ peril your 108:127,06@a | own life. It is not worth while to$9$ be sent to$4$ the gallows for$4$ 108:127,07@a | the mere pleasure of killing such a fellow as Donnithorne. 108:127,08@a | Let the law claim him. If you will$1$ promise to$9$ forego your 108:127,09@a | revenge for$4$ three days, I will$1$ promise that$3$ by$4$ that$6#2$ time he 108:127,10@a | shall be in$4$ a prison." 108:127,11@c | "No$7$, no$7$; I can not forego my revenge; his punishment 108:127,12@c | must be awarded by$4$ \my\ hand," 108:127,12[A ]| muttered the digger between 108:127,13[A ]| his teeth. 108:127,14@a | "If such is your resolve, I must arrest you," 108:127,14[A ]| making a step 108:127,15[A ]| towards him. 108:127,16[A ]| Tucker started, 108:127,16@c | "\You\ arrest \me\. Who$6#2$ are you, then?" 108:127,17@a | "James*Brooke, of the detective force." 108:127,18@c | "Are you in$4$ earnest?" 108:127,18[A ]| he asked. 108:127,19@a | "I am," 108:127,19[A ]| I rejoined, sternly. 108:127,20@c | "Then I promise," 108:127,20[A ]| he said, with a sigh. 108:127,21@a | "To$9$ prove you are not prevaricating, just lend me that$6#2$ 108:127,22@a | revolver for$4$ a few days," 108:127,22[A ]| I said; for$3$ I had caught sight of the 108:127,23[A ]| stock of a "Colts" sticking out of his pocket. 108:127,24[A ]| He essayed to$9$ make some excuse, but I was firm, and he 108:127,25[A ]| gave the weapon up$5$. 108:127,26@a | "Now, old fellow, cheer up$5$; one day you will$1$ thank 108:127,27@a | heaven that$3$ I was the means of frustrating your plans this 108:127,28@a | morning," 108:127,28[A ]| and without another word I left him and soon 108:127,29[A ]| gained my tent. 108:127,30[A ]| Early the following morning I was up$5$ and preparing for$4$ 108:127,31[A ]| my departure. I walked away from the Flat on$4$ foot, and 108:127,32[A ]| then struck into the high road and slackened my pace. In$4$ 108:127,33[A ]| a quarter of an hour or so$5#2$ Cobb's mail and coach overtook me. I 108:127,34[A ]| managed to$9$ get a seat on$4$ the box, and after a pleasant drive 108:127,35[A ]| of some nine hours we reached Melbourne. 108:127,36[A ]| It was too late to$9$ transact any business that$6#2$ day, so$3$ I went 108:127,37[A ]| to$4$ the theatre and enjoyed myself. Early next forenoon I 108:127,38[A ]| set to$4$ business. I first called on$4$ Mr%*Hall, the jeweller, and 108:127,39[A ]| purchaser of gold for$4$ the banks, whose name occurred in$4$ 108:128,01[A ]| the paragraph in$4$ \The*Argus\ that$6#1$ had struck my attention a 108:128,02[A ]| couple of days previously. He tested my nugget, and after 108:128,03[A ]| taking no$2$ small amount of trouble, to$4$ my great delight, found 108:128,04[A ]| it to$9$ be a spurious one. 108:128,05[A ]| I took down his depositions to$4$ that$6#2$ effect, and then hurried 108:128,06[A ]| to$4$ a police magistrate, from whom I procured a warrant to$9$ 108:128,07[A ]| arrest James*Donnithorne, on$4$ the charge of "obtaining 108:128,08[A ]| money under false pretences;" and armed with this authority, 108:128,09[A ]| I secured a seat in$4$ the evening coach, and in$4$ a few hours was 108:128,10[A ]| being whirled back to$4$ the Galunga*Flat. 108:128,11[A ]| After a journey which$6#1$ occupied the whole night, we 108:128,12[A ]| arrived at our, or rather \my\ destination, for$3$ the coach only 108:128,13[A ]| dropt me in$4$ passing. 108:128,14[A ]| The sun was just rising over the distant mountain peaks 108:128,15[A ]| when I reached home. It was five o'clock. I lit my fire, 108:128,16[A ]| filled my billy with water, and manufactured some damper. 108:128,17[A ]| Then while it was baking I lit my pipe, and seating myself 108:128,18[A ]| on$4$ a log outside, puffed away in$4$ happy contentment, and 108:128,19[A ]| admired the beauty of the landscape. 108:128,20[A ]| Suddenly I observed a man walking rapidly along the flat 108:128,21[A ]| in$4$ an easterly direction. It was rather an early hour for$4$ a 108:128,22[A ]| digger to$9$ be astir, but that$6#2$ fact alone did not fix my attention, 108:128,23[A ]| for$3$ though he was too far distant for$4$ me to$9$ distinguish 108:128,24[A ]| his features, I knew by$4$ his long, irregular stride and gaunt 108:128,25[A ]| figure, that$3$ it was John*Tucker. 108:128,26[A ]| Another fact that$6#1$ I immediately became aware of was that$3$ 108:128,27[A ]| he was crossing the flat in$4$ the direction of Donnithorne's 108:128,28[A ]| tent. This discovery, however, did not cause me any uneasiness. 108:128,29[A ]| Strange to$9$ say, I trusted the fellow's promise, and 108:128,30[A ]| concluded that$3$ even if he did break it, that$3$ as I had his 108:128,31[A ]| revolver, and knew he could not afford to$9$ buy another, the 108:128,32[A ]| assault would be a mere matter of fisticuffs, from which$6#1$ 108:128,33[A ]| much mischief was not likely to$9$ result, so$3$ I patiently waited 108:128,34[A ]| until my breakfast was ready, made a hearty meal, and then 108:128,35[A ]| set out for$4$ the purpose of arresting my man. 108:128,36[A ]| It was about a mile to$4$ his tent from my own, and as it was 108:128,37[A ]| even now only six o'clock, I depended upon$4$ capturing him 108:128,38[A ]| before he was out of bed, for$3$ it would be inconsistent with 108:128,39[A ]| his reputed broken and crushed limbs to$9$ be up$5$ with the lark. 108:129,01[A ]| I therefore sauntered leisurely along, enjoying the beauty of 108:129,02[A ]| the morning and the deliciously cool southern breeze, until 108:129,03[A ]| within a couple of hundred yards of my destination, when I 108:129,04[A ]| heard the noise of two men in$4$ angry altercation. The sounds 108:129,05[A ]| came without a doubt, from the interior of Donnithorne's 108:129,06[A ]| tent. Furious oaths and bitter names, then the dull sound 108:129,07[A ]| of blows, and presently the whole structure shook as though 108:129,08[A ]| some*one had been violently hurled against the ridge pole. 108:129,09[A ]| I now hastened my steps, feeling as I ran on$5$ whether my 108:129,10[A ]| revolver and handcuffs were handy to$9$ be got at; but before I 108:129,11[A ]| could gain the tent, two figures reeled out of it. They were 108:129,12[A ]| both of them locked in$4$ each other's grasp, and I recognised 108:129,13[A ]| at a glance that$3$ the combatants were John*Tucker and James*Donnithorne. 108:129,14[A ]| The face of the former resembled that$6#2$ of a 108:129,15[A ]| demon, so$5#1$ disfigured was it by$4$ rage and hatred; the latter, 108:129,16[A ]| no$2$ longer a cripple, was, with his disengaged arm (the \broken\ 108:129,17[A ]| one, by-the-bye), raining a shower of blows on$4$ his adversary's 108:129,18[A ]| head and shoulders, which$6#1$ seemed to$9$ be no$2$ more regarded 108:129,19[A ]| than if each of them was a descending feather. 108:129,20@a | "Stop, mate," 108:129,20[A ]| I shouted, 108:129,20@a | "that$6#2$ man is my prisoner!" 108:129,21[A ]| Neither of them heard my words, but continued to$9$ writhe, 108:129,22[A ]| twist, and struggle in$4$ their close embrace like$4$ two interlaced 108:129,23[A ]| boa-constrictors. I made no$2$ attempt to$9$ separate them, but 108:129,24[A ]| waited until the struggle was over, which$6#1$ I concluded would 108:129,25[A ]| be as soon as one of the parties was thrown. At length 108:129,26[A ]| Jimmy*Donnithorne seemed to$9$ be getting the better of his 108:129,27[A ]| more fragile antagonist, whose breathing was becoming short 108:129,28[A ]| and gasping, and whose muscles were beginning to$9$ fail him. 108:129,29[A ]| A sneer curled Donnithorne's lip as he noticed these indications 108:129,30[A ]| of failing strength; he ceased to$9$ grapple his assailant, 108:129,31[A ]| but with an adroit jerk freed his arms for$4$ a moment, and 108:129,32[A ]| then, like$4$ lightning, caught him with both his brawny hands 108:129,33[A ]| by$4$ the throat, which$6#1$ he grasped with such iron pressure that$3$ 108:129,34[A ]| Tucker's face began to$9$ grow purple, while his eyes seemed to$9$ 108:129,35[A ]| be starting from their sockets. I now thought it time to$9$ interfere, 108:129,36[A ]| and sprang towards Donnithorne to$9$ drag him from 108:129,37[A ]| his half-strangled foe, but ere I could effect this, Tucker 108:129,38[A ]| had drawn a knife and stabbed Donnithorne twice in$4$ the 108:129,39[A ]| back. 108:130,01[A ]| The latter immediately relaxed his grasp, and muttering, 108:130,02@b | "Oh, my God, I am done for$5$" 108:130,02[A ]| fell heavily to$4$ the ground. 108:130,03@a | "What have you done? You have killed him," 108:130,03[A ]| I said, 108:130,04[A ]| as I raised the wounded man's head. 108:130,05[A ]| The digger did not seem to$9$ hear my words, his gaze was 108:130,06[A ]| riveted with an expression of fiendish hate on$4$ the countenance 108:130,07[A ]| of the dying man. He folded his arms on$4$ his chest 108:130,08[A ]| and said, calmly. 108:130,08@c | "My poor wife is avenged." 108:130,09[A ]| I now hastened to$9$ examine Donnithorne's wounds. A 108:130,10[A ]| moment's inspection told me that$3$ he had only a few minutes 108:130,11[A ]| to$9$ live. The knife had been plunged into his body up$5$ to$4$ its 108:130,12[A ]| haft at each stab: the blood was flowing in$4$ torrents, and had 108:130,13[A ]| already formed a pool around him. 108:130,14@a | "I will$1$ summon aid to$9$ carry you to$4$ the doctor's," 108:130,14[A ]| I said. 108:130,15@b | "No$7$, no$7$, let me die here. I can but live for$4$ a few minutes," 108:130,16[A ]| he said, faintly. 108:130,17[A ]| I saw that$3$ to$9$ insist upon$4$ moving him would be needless 108:130,18[A ]| cruelty, but I bandaged up$5$ his wounds in$4$ order to$9$ keep body 108:130,19[A ]| and soul together as long as possible, and then asked him if 108:130,20[A ]| there was anything he would like$1$ done after his death. 108:130,21[A ]| He seemed to$9$ consider for$4$ a moment or two, and then 108:130,22[A ]| looking me in$4$ the face, he for$4$ the first time recognised me. 108:130,23[A ]| A puzzled expression crossed his countenance as he said, 108:130,23@b | "I 108:130,24@b | thought that$3$ some*one called out just now that$3$ I was a 108:130,25@b | prisoner. Was it so$5#2$?" 108:130,26@a | "Yes, I said so$5#2$ as I came up$5$. I am a police officer. The 108:130,27@a | nugget you gave me the other day I took to$4$ Melbourne to$9$ be 108:130,28@a | tested; it was found to$9$ be spurious, so$3$ I obtained a warrant, 108:130,29@a | which$6#1$ I have now in$4$ my pocket, for$4$ your arrest. But you 108:130,30@a | will$1$ presently be before a more mighty, and, I trust, a more 108:130,31@a | merciful tribunal than a police court." 108:130,32[A ]| The dying man shuddered, then his glance fell on$4$ John*Tucker, 108:130,33[A ]| who$6#1$ still stood in$4$ the same attitude, with his stern, 108:130,34[A ]| remorseless gaze fixed on$4$ his victim. 108:130,35@b | "Who$6#2$ are you and why sought you this meeting?" 108:130,35[A ]| asked 108:130,36[A ]| the dying man, who$6#1$ had evidently forgotten the digger's 108:130,37[A ]| countenance. 108:130,38@c | "Who$6#2$ am \I\, rascal? I am the man you cheated out 108:130,39@c | of his every penny in$4$ return for$4$ a worthless claim; who$6#1$ owes 108:131,01@c | his own ruin and his wife's death to$4$ you. If you would know 108:131,02@c | the name of the man who$6#1$ has wreaked a righteous judgment 108:131,03@c | on$4$ you, it is John*Tucker." 108:131,04@b | "Who$6#2$? who$6#2$?" 108:131,04[A ]| cried the dying man, raising himself upon$4$ 108:131,05[A ]| his elbow and gazing wildly at his assassin's face. 108:131,05@b | "Say that$6#2$ 108:131,06@b | name again, it can not be possible." 108:131,07@c | "What can not be possible?" 108:131,07[A ]| muttered the other. 108:131,07@c | "If you 108:131,08@c | mean my name, why, it is possible, for$3$ I am John*Tucker." 108:131,09@b | "My God! then you are my \brother\," 108:131,09[A ]| ejaculated the other. 108:131,10@b | "My name is Tom*Tucker, and my native town is Marazion in$4$ 108:131,11@b | Cornwall;" 108:131,11[A ]| and as he uttered the last word he fell back on$4$ 108:131,12[A ]| the blood sodden turf a corpse. 108:131,13[A ]| A terrible change overspread the countenance of the murderer; 108:131,14[A ]| the expression of hatred and gratified vengeance that$6#1$ 108:131,15[A ]| had been imprinted on$4$ every feature passed away, and with 108:131,16[A ]| a look of unutterable agony and despair he flung himself on$4$ 108:131,17[A ]| his knees before the corpse, and with trembling fingers unfastened 108:131,18[A ]| a long hair guard that$6#1$ encircled the dead man's 108:131,19[A ]| throat. To$4$ the end of this chain was attached a large gold-plated 108:131,20[A ]| locket. The wretched man opened it, and exclaiming, 108:131,21@c | "It is my mother's portrait; his words are true then, and I 108:131,22@c | am a second Cain," 108:131,22[A ]| he fell back insensible. 108:131,23[A ]| By$4$ this time we had a small crowd around us. Two or three 108:131,24[A ]| sturdy diggers, by$4$ my directions, carried the corpse to$4$ the 108:131,25[A ]| doctor's, for$4$ the purpose of a post-mortem examination; 108:131,26[A ]| though, of course, such a proceeding would be a mere matter 108:131,27[A ]| of form. 108:131,28[A ]| I now turned my attention to$4$ the unconscious assassin, 108:131,29[A ]| who$6#1$ in$4$ about ten minutes began to$9$ show signs of returning 108:131,30[A ]| reason. When he had fully regained his senses I clapped 108:131,31[A ]| the handcuffs on$4$ him, and took him to$4$ my own tent. He 108:131,32[A ]| was very quiet and docile, his spirit seemed to$9$ be completely 108:131,33[A ]| crushed. When we got to$4$ the tent he asked for$4$ a drink of 108:131,34[A ]| water, and after he had drunk it he said impressively, 108:131,34@c | "I 108:131,35@c | \should\ have thanked Heaven if I had taken your advice the 108:131,36@c | other day, Mr%*Brooke." 108:131,37[A ]| I made no$2$ reply. What consolation could I give under 108:131,38[A ]| such circumstances? 108:131,39[A ]| The finding on$4$ the inquest was, of course, one of "wilful 108:132,01[A ]| murder," and that$6#2$ same evening I started with my prisoner 108:132,02[A ]| for$4$ Melbourne. 108:132,03[A ]| He was not very communicative on$4$ the journey, he seemed 108:132,04[A ]| to$9$ be sunk in$4$ a sort of lethargy of agonized despair; but yet 108:132,05[A ]| I gathered from him the following facts, ~~ namely, that$3$ his 108:132,06[A ]| brother had quitted England at twenty years of age, and when 108:132,07[A ]| John was only ten years old, therefore the non-recognition 108:132,08[A ]| on$4$ each side was very natural. When Donnithorne, or rather, 108:132,09[A ]| the elder Tucker, sold his duffer claim for$4$ L5*15s%, he never 108:132,10[A ]| troubled to$9$ inquire the purchaser's name, and so$3$ was unconscious 108:132,11[A ]| that$3$ he was cheating on$4$ his own kith and kin, until he 108:132,12[A ]| learnt it from the lips of the fratricide. As for$4$ John, he 108:132,13[A ]| did not even know whether or not his brother had quitted 108:132,14[A ]| the Colony. 108:132,15[A ]| The fratricide was tried at the following criminal sittings 108:132,16[A ]| at Melbourne; but the bill for$4$ murder being thrown out by$4$ 108:132,17[A ]| the grand jury, he was merely arraigned for$4$ "manslaughter," 108:132,18[A ]| of which$6#1$ he was found guilty, with a strong recommendation 108:132,19[A ]| to$4$ mercy, on$4$ account of the excitement he was labouring 108:132,20[A ]| under at the time, and the painful circumstances that$6#1$ occasioned 108:132,21[A ]| it. He was condemned to$4$ twelve years' penal servitude; 108:132,22[A ]| which$6#1$ sentence, by-the-bye, terminated nearly twelve months 108:132,23[A ]| ago, and my readers may perhaps be glad to$9$ learn that$3$ on$4$ his 108:132,24[A ]| release from captivity he returned to$4$ Engalnd a truly penitent 108:132,25[A ]| man, and that$3$ he is now the sole stay and comfort of 108:132,26[A ]| his aged father and mother. 108:132,27[A ]| About a month after the fatal conflict of the two brothers, 108:132,28[A ]| I had the good fortune to$9$ make a regular raid amongst the 108:132,29[A ]| sellers of dummy claims and spurious gold on$4$ the Galunga*Flat. 108:132,30[A ]| I was the instrument of bringing some nine or ten of 108:132,31[A ]| them to$4$ justice; but not before many innocent persons had 108:132,32[A ]| been victimized, and much injury inflicted on$4$ those who$6#1$ could 108:132,33[A ]| hardly afford to$9$ be chiselled of perhaps their last sovereign 108:132,34[A ]| or two. Poverty is a sad thing everywhere, but in$4$ no$2$ spot 108:132,35[A ]| is it so$5#1$ hard and difficult to$9$ bear and struggle with as on$4$ a 108:132,36[A ]| gold-field, where the necessaries of life are so$5#1$ exorbitantly 108:132,37[A ]| dear, and selfishness the prevailing characteristic of the 108:132,38[A ]| population. Perhaps, also, there is no$2$ place on$4$ earth where 108:132,39[A ]| poverty is so$5#1$ frequently to$9$ be met with, even absolute want. 108:133,01[A ]| To$4$ most people at a distance there appears some romance 108:133,02[A ]| in$4$ gold-digging; they are excited with the idea that$3$ they may 108:133,03[A ]| kick up$5$ a stone and find twenty pounds of gold under it, and 108:133,04[A ]| can not imagine how people can refrain from seizing a pick 108:133,05[A ]| and breaking every piece of quartz they pass, to$9$ see if there 108:133,06[A ]| is another monster nugget in$4$ it; but this is all a delusion. 108:133,07[A ]| Gold-digging is a real downright matter-of-fact trade; in$4$ so$5#1$ 108:133,08[A ]| many hours of common labourer's work, so$5#1$ much gold; in$4$ so$5#1$ 108:133,09[A ]| many buckets of earth, so$5#1$ many ounces; and when once a 108:133,10[A ]| man is amongst the diggers, he feels no$2$ more inclination to$9$ 108:133,11[A ]| take a pick in$4$ his hand for$4$ the chance of what he may turn 108:133,12[A ]| up$5$, than he would to$9$ enter upon$4$ the labour of English 108:133,13[A ]| navvies, whose allowance is three cubic yards per day. The 108:133,14[A ]| labour is always great, and sometimes exceedingly so$5#2$, and a 108:133,15[A ]| great many fail altogether, and either go to$4$ the wall or become 108:133,16[A ]| fossickers, cheats, loafers, and adventurers. As to$4$ salting 108:133,17[A ]| claims, I have little doubt in$4$ my own mind that$3$ many of the 108:133,18[A ]| Mu^nchausen holes, out of which$6#1$ the L5*000 and L7*000 were 108:133,19[A ]| so$5#1$ readily shovelled up$5$ at Mount*Alexander in$4$ a few days, 108:133,20[A ]| were got up$5$ in$4$ such a way and for$4$ similar purposes. Many 108:133,21[A ]| knowing people, at the time, did not hesitate to$9$ assert that$3$ 108:133,22[A ]| the wonderful finds that$6#1$ the Governor, in$4$ perfect good faith 108:133,23[A ]| on$4$ \his\ part, reported to$4$ the Home*Government, in$4$ the early 108:133,24[A ]| days of the gold fever, were prepared by$4$ interested parties. 109:134,00@@@@@| 109:134,00[' ]| 109:134,01[A ]| On$4$ every digger's licence at Galunga there was notified the 109:134,02[A ]| strict prohibition against sinking holes upon$4$ any road, or of 109:134,03[A ]| cutting up$5$ the roads through the diggings in$4$ any manner. This 109:134,04[A ]| regulation was not only necessary for$4$ the preservation of the 109:134,05[A ]| roads, but even more so$5#2$ for$4$ the security of human life. Yet 109:134,06[A ]| it was almost totally disregarded, and wherever gold was to$9$ 109:134,07[A ]| be got, the diggers cut up$5$ the roads, without the slightest 109:134,08[A ]| regard either to$4$ the convenience of the public or its safety. 109:134,09[A ]| The roads through the diggings were, in$4$ fact, regularly undermined, 109:134,10[A ]| cut up$5$, and obstructed; and the unfortunate draymen, 109:134,11[A ]| and all who$6#1$ had to$9$ travel over them, sought in$4$ 109:134,12[A ]| bewilderment to$9$ find a passage across the heaps and hollows. 109:134,13[A ]| In$4$ innumerable places in$4$ all the diggings there were pits 109:134,14[A ]| along the sides of the roads ~~ even \in$4$\ the roads ~~ of various 109:134,15[A ]| depths, of from ten to$4$ one hundred feet, gaping, without the 109:134,16[A ]| slightest protection, for$4$ any traveller in$4$ the dark to$9$ plunge 109:134,17[A ]| into. The reader may be astonished at this disregard of 109:134,18[A ]| human life, but the fact is, that$3$ amid the chaos of adventurers 109:134,19[A ]| of all countries, rushing madly from every corner of 109:134,20[A ]| the globe to$9$ render themselves wealthy, life, as may be supposed, 109:134,21[A ]| was held wonderfully cheap. Who$6#2$ was likely to$9$ care 109:134,22[A ]| for$4$ any*one but himself? The number of unrecorded dead who$6#1$ 109:134,23[A ]| were discovered and cast in$4$ hastily dug graves, too frequently 109:134,24[A ]| without any*one knowing anything about them, was truly 109:134,25[A ]| frightful. While I was encamped at these diggings, instances 109:134,26[A ]| occurred of people entering a tent, and finding a solitary 109:134,27[A ]| man in$4$ the last moments of life, without a friend near, or 109:134,28[A ]| any means of help. Probably he had lain for$4$ days, or even 109:135,01[A ]| weeks, amid the vast multitude, unable to$9$ raise hand or foot, 109:135,02[A ]| or cry for$4$ aid to$4$ those who$6#1$, eager in$4$ their quest of gold, 109:135,03[A ]| were ever passing or repassing a few steps from him. Others, 109:135,04[A ]| again, were found in$4$ such a situation with every sign of 109:135,05[A ]| abject want around them, and not the slightest clue whereby 109:135,06[A ]| to$9$ discover who$6#1$ they were or whence they came. Out of 109:135,07[A ]| hundreds of thousands of diggers, English and foreign, how 109:135,08[A ]| many might have had friends who$6#1$ would have given their 109:135,09[A ]| own lives to$9$ learn news of the absent ones! But any news 109:135,10[A ]| of them they will$1$ now never obtain, for$3$ they lie either in$4$ 109:135,11[A ]| those nameless graves, or in$4$ the deep road-side shafts now 109:135,12[A ]| long since deserted and their sides fallen in$5$, burying their 109:135,13[A ]| victims under many tons of clay and earth. Yes, many a 109:135,14[A ]| poor fellow, without doubt, has met a horrible fate thus; 109:135,15[A ]| many a fleshless skeleton lies at the bottom of those terrible 109:135,16[A ]| man-traps whose fate must ever remain a mystery. 109:135,17[A ]| I was one day chatting with two or three diggers at Old 109:135,18[A ]| Brown's store, on$4$ the Galunga diggings, when a man whom 109:135,19[A ]| I knew very well came in$5$ to$9$ buy a pound of candles. There 109:135,20[A ]| was something so$5#1$ strange about his appearance that$3$ I could 109:135,21[A ]| not help staring at him in$4$ mute surprise. I had not seen 109:135,22[A ]| him for$4$ two or three days, and when I last beheld him he 109:135,23[A ]| was as burly, red-faced, jovial a looking fellow as any on$4$ the 109:135,24[A ]| flat. Now he was thin, haggard, and lantern-jawed, with 109:135,25[A ]| a face as pale as a corpse, and even his hair and whiskers, 109:135,26[A ]| which$6#1$ had been a glossy black, were thickly sprinkled with 109:135,27[A ]| grey. 109:135,28@b | "How do you do, Mitchell?" 109:135,28[A ]| said the man, nodding to$4$ me as 109:135,29[A ]| he entered. 109:135,30[A ]| (Mitchell was then my \9nom*de*guerre\, for$3$ as yet it was 109:135,31[A ]| known but to$4$ very few that$3$ I was in$4$ the force.) 109:135,32@a | "Pretty well, thank you, mate. How is yourself? You 109:135,33@a | look down in$4$ the mouth. Have you hit upon$4$ a good claim, 109:135,34@a | or seen a ghost? ~~ which$6#2$?" 109:135,35@b | "I have hit upon$4$ a claim \and\ seen a ghost, or something 109:135,36@b | worse. Come along with me directly, and I will$1$ tell you of 109:135,37@b | something curious," 109:135,37[A ]| answered the man; and without another 109:135,38[A ]| word he proceeded to$9$ make his purchases. 109:135,39[A ]| While he is doing so$5#1$ let me try and picture to$4$ the reader 109:136,01[A ]| the general appearance of a store at the diggings in$4$ the year 109:136,02[A ]| 1853. The one we were in$5$ was a fair sample of its class. 109:136,03[A ]| It was a large tent, oblong in$4$ shape, and in$4$ it everything 109:136,04[A ]| required by$4$ a digger or a digger's wife or family could be 109:136,05[A ]| obtained, ~~ that$6#2$ is to$9$ say, if the wherewithal to$9$ purchase 109:136,06[A ]| was at hand, ~~ from barley-sugar to$4$ sardines and potted 109:136,07[A ]| salmon, from pickled onions to$4$ Bass's pale ale, from ankle 109:136,08[A ]| jack-boots to$4$ a sou'-wester, from a pair of stays to$4$ a cradle, 109:136,09[A ]| and every requisite for$4$ mining, from a pick to$4$ a needle. But 109:136,10[A ]| the confusion, the noise, the medley: What a scene for$4$ a 109:136,11[A ]| Regent*Street shopwalker: Here hang a couple of red herrings 109:136,12[A ]| dripping into a bag of sugar, and a heap of tallow 109:136,13[A ]| candles lying amid a box of raisins. There a bundle of gay-coloured 109:136,14[A ]| ribbons crushed beneath two unwashed tumblers 109:136,15[A ]| and a half-finished bottle of stout. Cheese and salt fish, 109:136,16[A ]| bread and blacking, pork, yellow soap, and currants, saddles 109:136,17[A ]| and frocks, green veils and blue serge suits, wideawakes and 109:136,18[A ]| shovels, baby linen and camphine lamps, all heaped indiscriminately 109:136,19[A ]| together, added to$4$ which$6#1$ there are frequently 109:136,20[A ]| children squalling, men swearing, storekeeper sulking, and 109:136,21[A ]| last, though by$4$ no$2$ means least, women's tongues going nineteen 109:136,22[A ]| to$4$ the dozen. 109:136,23[A ]| The digger bought a few articles, crammed some into his 109:136,24[A ]| pockets, stuck others under his arm, and beckoned to$4$ me to$9$ 109:136,25[A ]| follow him. So$3$ nodding to$4$ the other loiterers, I joined him 109:136,26[A ]| on$4$ the outside. 109:136,27@b | "Come with me," 109:136,27[A ]| said he. 109:136,27@b | "I have got a sick wife, so$3$ I 109:136,28@b | must go straight home, but the track is not much out of 109:136,29@b | your road, and we can talk as we go on$5$." 109:136,30@a | "All right, mate," 109:136,30[A ]| I replied. 109:136,30@a | "But you look ill yourself. 109:136,31@a | What the deuce has come over you?" 109:136,32@b | "That$6#2$ is just what I am about to$9$ tell you, and as it is a long 109:136,33@b | yarn I will$1$ begin at once. I have not told it to$4$ a soul yet, and 109:136,34@b | thought I would not till I had asked your opinion on$4$ the matter. 109:136,35@b | It is a secret that$6#1$ had better, perhaps, be kept close." 109:136,36@a | "Well, Bob, begin, for$3$ I am all impatience to$9$ hear it." 109:136,37@b | "May be, then, you have missed me for$4$ a few days?" 109:136,38[A ]| I confessed that$3$ I had done so$5#2$. 109:136,39@b | "It is oncommon lucky for$4$ me that$3$ I was not missed altogether. 109:137,01@b | I tumbled down a fifteen fathom shaft last Saturday 109:137,02@b | night whilst coming home rather groggy from Neilsen's 109:137,03@b | shanty, and did not get hauled up$5$ until yesterday." 109:137,04@a | "By$4$ Jove: yesterday was Tuesday, ~~ three days. Why, you 109:137,05@a | must have been nearly starved, man." 109:137,06@b | "So$3$ I was, but the miracle is that$3$ I was not killed. My 109:137,07@b | life was saved by$4$ falling on$4$ the body of a putrid horse, so$3$ 109:137,08@b | that$3$ I came down soft like$5$, but by$4$ George the smell was 109:137,09@b | frightful: How I did halloo all the Sunday: but it was no$2$ 109:137,10@b | use; not a soul heard me, and on$4$ the Monday I was equally 109:137,11@b | unsuccessful. On$4$ Tuesday I was too weak to$9$ cry out much, 109:137,12@b | but just as it was getting dark I heard two men walking just 109:137,13@b | by$4$ the mouth of the shaft, so$3$ I gathered all my strength for$4$ 109:137,14@b | a desperate cooe=e, and thank God I was heard. They got 109:137,15@b | a rope and somehow hauled me up$5$, more dead than alive, I 109:137,16@b | can tell you, and carried me home to$4$ my tent, where I found 109:137,17@b | my wife stricken down by$4$ Colonial fever, brought on$5$ no$2$ 109:137,18@b | doubt by$4$ her anxiety regarding me. By$4$ Jove: when my 109:137,19@b | own children looked at me they did not know me!" 109:137,20@a | "I scarcely wonder at that$6#2$, Bob; I hardly knew you myself," 109:137,21[A ]| I rejoined, seeing that$3$ he paused for$4$ me to$9$ make some 109:137,22[A ]| observation. 109:137,23@b | "Did not you, now? Well, do you fancy that$3$ what I have 109:137,24@b | already told you is all that$6#1$ befell me in$4$ that$6#2$ cursed hole?" 109:137,25@a | "I do not know, but from your manner I imagine you have 109:137,26@a | something more to$9$ tell," 109:137,26[A ]| I rejoined. 109:137,27@b | "And so$3$ I have, mate. Listen. There has been a foul 109:137,28@b | murder committed, and the evidences of it are now at the 109:137,29@b | bottom of that$6#2$ pit." 109:137,30@a | "The pit you fell into?" 109:137,31@b | "Yes." 109:137,32[A ]| My professional interest was at once aroused, and I 109:137,33[A ]| demanded eagerly, 109:137,33@a | "How do you know this?" 109:137,34@b | "Why, while I was groping about down there in$4$ the dark, 109:137,35@b | my hand came against something hard and round like$4$ a ball, 109:137,36@b | but full of holes it seemed to$4$ me. I tried hard to$9$ discover 109:137,37@b | what it was, and at last, by$4$ feel more than sight, made it out 109:138,01@b | to$9$ be a skull ~~ a human skull. I could feel the holes where 109:138,02@b | the eyes had been, the nostrils, the mouth; my fingers even 109:138,03@b | fumbled against a tooth or two, all loose and rattling. Was not 109:138,04@b | that$6#2$ a pleasant discovery?" 109:138,05@a | "Well, it was rather dismal, mate; but all this does not 109:138,06@a | show that$3$ any murder has been committed. The man might 109:138,07@a | have fallen in$5$ by$4$ accident, as you did, then died of starvation, 109:138,08@a | as you might have done, and then the rats and other 109:138,09@a | vermin perhaps picked the flesh from his face, and left his 109:138,10@a | skull to$9$ frighten you." 109:138,11@b | "You will$1$ not think so$5#2$ when I have finished my yarn, for$3$ 109:138,12@b | just over the left eye there was another hole. Ah, I see you 109:138,13@b | start now: This hole was a slit of about an inch long, and 109:138,14@b | may be the eighth part of an inch wide; in$4$ fact, just such a 109:138,15@b | slit as a Congress knife would make in$4$ a fellow's skull, and I 109:138,16@b | guess that$6#2$ was what done it." 109:138,17@a | "Where was the fellow's body? You only mention the 109:138,18@a | skull, Bob." 109:138,19@b | "Where his body was I can not guess ~~ not in$4$ that$6#2$ hole, I will$1$ 109:138,20@b | take my Davy." 109:138,21@a | "Did you search?" 109:138,22@b | "Yes, I did, thoroughly, but not even a bone was there, 109:138,23@b | only the skull." 109:138,24@a | "That$6#2$ is a pity," 109:138,24[A ]| I muttered to$4$ myself; 109:138,24@a | "additional 109:138,25@a | evidence would be valuable." 109:138,26@b | "What do you think of this, then?" 109:138,26[A ]| said Bob, after a 109:138,27[A ]| pause, and plunging his hand into his trousers pocket, he 109:138,28[A ]| pulled out a bowie knife, and handed it to$4$ me with a grim 109:138,29[A ]| smile. 109:138,30[A ]| I clutched the knife eagerly; it afforded one of the links 109:138,31[A ]| of evidence that$6#1$ I wanted. Stopping suddenly in$4$ my walk, 109:138,32[A ]| I closely examined it. It was a kind of weapon known in$4$ 109:138,33[A ]| America as a Congress knife: the hilt was of German silver, 109:138,34[A ]| the blade might have been some six inches in$4$ length; it was 109:138,35[A ]| very rusty, but half a glance showed me that$3$ the rust was of 109:138,36[A ]| two kinds. Near the hilt the light iron-mould hue was 109:138,37[A ]| that$6#2$ of damp, but from the point to$4$ about three inches up$4$ 109:138,38[A ]| the blade the dark brown, almost black stains, were plainly 109:138,39[A ]| the rust of blood. On$4$ one side the blade I could distinguish 109:139,01[A ]| an eagle, with the motto, 109:139,01@z | "\Never draw me without reason,\ 109:139,02@z | \nor sheath me without honour,"\ 109:139,02[A ]| stamped in$4$ the steel. 109:139,03@a | "This is a most valuable find, Bob," 109:139,03[A ]| I said, slapping my 109:139,04[A ]| companion on$4$ the back; 109:139,04@a | "but I suppose that$3$ the skull is 109:139,05@a | still in$4$ the shaft?" 109:139,06@b | "It is; I did not care to$9$ bring it up$5$ with me. Do not you 109:139,07@b | think we ought to$9$ inform the police before we do anything 109:139,08@b | further?" 109:139,08[A ]| observed the digger. 109:139,09@a | "Bob, I will$1$ tell you a secret; we have been acquaintances 109:139,10@a | now for$4$ some time, and I think I can depend upon$4$ you. I 109:139,11@a | am one of the force, and I am here on$4$ special duty, so$3$ you see 109:139,12@a | there is no$2$ need to$9$ inform any*one else." 109:139,13@b | "The deuce you are!" 109:139,13[A ]| exclaimed Bob, starting, and then 109:139,14[A ]| looking at me keenly to$9$ see whether I was in$4$ jest. He 109:139,15[A ]| seemed satisfied with his inspection, however, and said drily, 109:139,16@b | "Well, you might have told a fellow of this before; you have 109:139,17@b | been rather close with a friend, I think." 109:139,18@a | "Never mind that$6#2$, old boy; I dare say I should have 109:139,19@a | told you before long, even if it had not been for$4$ this affair. 109:139,20@a | But to$9$ return to$4$ business. We must manage to$9$ get that$6#2$ 109:139,21@a | skull above ground, and that$6#2$ speedily, too. Will$1$ you aid me?" 109:139,22@b | "Oh yes, I do not mind." 109:139,23@a | "What do you say to$4$ to-night, then, for$4$ a try?" 109:139,24@b | "I am willing; but what about a rope?" 109:139,25@a | "I will$1$ get both rope and candle," 109:139,25[A ]| I rejoined. 109:139,25@a | "Remember, 109:139,26@a | there is money to$9$ be earned, as well as justice to$9$ be meted 109:139,27@a | out. At what time will$1$ you join me, and where?" 109:139,28@b | "I will$1$ call for$4$ you at your tent at about eleven o'clock; 109:139,29@b | the hole is no$2$ great way from your hang-out. We shall 109:139,30@b | have finished the job before midnight, I reckon." 109:139,31[A ]| We had now arrived close up$5$ to$4$ Bob's tent, and cautioning 109:139,32[A ]| him not to$9$ tell a soul what had happened, not even his 109:139,33[A ]| own wife, I took my leave of him and walked away. 109:139,34[A ]| Many a brown study I fell into that$6#2$ day, and many a pipe 109:139,35[A ]| of Barrett's twist did I smoke to$9$ clear my faculties, and aid 109:139,36[A ]| me in$4$ the solving of the skull enigma. In$4$ vain, however, 109:139,37[A ]| did I trouble my brain; the affair as yet seemed inexplicable, 109:139,38[A ]| but I still smoked and thought on$5$, until night brought eleven 109:139,39[A ]| o'clock and my friend Bob. 109:140,01@b | "I am pretty punctual, you see," 109:140,01[A ]| said he. 109:140,02@a | "Yes, I can not blame you on$4$ that$6#2$ score, mate; and here 109:140,03@a | are rope and candles. We will$1$ have a dram of rum, and 109:140,04@a | then be off." 109:140,05[A ]| I produced a bottle and a couple of tin cups as I spoke, 109:140,06[A ]| and we took our drinks in$4$ silence. We then set out on$4$ our 109:140,07[A ]| adventure. 109:140,08[A ]| We had only a mile to$9$ walk before we got to$4$ the scene of 109:140,09[A ]| operations, so$3$ that$3$ in$4$ about twenty minutes after leaving my 109:140,10[A ]| tent, we stood alongside the deserted shaft; and while Bob 109:140,11[A ]| was adjusting his rope around the barrel of the windlass, 109:140,12[A ]| and making other preparations for$4$ a descent, I took a narrow 109:140,13[A ]| inspection of the locality, which$6#1$ the bright starlight enabled 109:140,14[A ]| me to$9$ do. 109:140,15[A ]| Although not far removed from the centre of the gold-field, 109:140,16[A ]| this hole was, nevertheless, at least three hundred yards 109:140,17[A ]| distant from any other, while at about forty-five or fifty 109:140,18[A ]| yards from it stood a tent, which$6#1$ was also about three 109:140,19[A ]| hundred yards distant from any other tent. The tent in$4$ 109:140,20[A ]| question was pitched in$4$ the rear of the heaps of earth thrown 109:140,21[A ]| up$5$ in$4$ digging the shaft, so$3$ that$3$, standing as we were at the 109:140,22[A ]| mouth of the shaft, we could only just see the top of it. 109:140,23[A ]| These simple facts struck me as peculiar. 109:140,23@a | "Without doubt," 109:140,24[A ]| I thought, 109:140,24@a | "that$6#2$ tent is occupied by$4$ the man who$6#1$ dug this 109:140,25@a | shaft, for$3$ a digger would naturally fix his tent as close to$4$ the 109:140,26@a | locality where he was working as possible, but this hole has 109:140,27@a | evidently been for$4$ some time abandoned. How is it, then, 109:140,28@a | that$3$ he has not marked out a fresh claim, and commenced 109:140,29@a | diggging somewhere else, and, as a natural consequence, 109:140,30@a | removed himself and tent to$4$ his new scene of operations?" 109:140,31[A ]| I was unable to$9$ answer these mental queries, but I could 109:140,32[A ]| not help fancying that$3$ the mystery of the skull was hidden 109:140,33[A ]| within that$6#2$ neighbouring tent. 109:140,34[A ]| By$4$ this time Bob*Mason was ready for$4$ a descent; he had 109:140,35[A ]| secured and wound the rope over the barrel, and tied a coil of 109:140,36[A ]| the other end around his middle, so$3$ I stood by$4$ the windlass 109:140,37[A ]| and began to$9$ lower him. 109:140,38[A ]| By$4$ George, how that$6#2$ old rusty windlass did creak; but as 109:140,39[A ]| it did not commence doing so$5#2$ until Bob was halfway down, 109:141,01[A ]| it was as well to$9$ lower him the other half as to$9$ draw him up$5$ 109:141,02[A ]| again. I was, however, terribly afraid that$3$ the inmate of the 109:141,03[A ]| tent would be alarmed by$4$ the noise, and if he had been, and 109:141,04[A ]| there was any crime to$9$ conceal, he might pop me off with his 109:141,05[A ]| revolver and then throw me into the hole; leaving my mate a 109:141,06[A ]| second chance of starving to$4$ death by$4$ cutting the rope, or 109:141,07[A ]| else shoot him down at his leisure, as coolly as he would fire 109:141,08[A ]| at a rat in$4$ a trap. 109:141,09[A ]| The deuce of it was, I had not a weapon of any kind with 109:141,10[A ]| me. 109:141,11[A ]| As luck would have it, however, the fellow was either 109:141,12[A ]| away in$4$ the township, or else slept as man never slept before, 109:141,13[A ]| for$3$ Bob got to$4$ the bottom of the hole all right, and the creaky 109:141,14[A ]| old windlass ceased its uproar. I looked down into the 109:141,15[A ]| obscure depth below me, and saw the digger strike a match, 109:141,16[A ]| light a candle, and look around him narrowly on$4$ every side. 109:141,17[A ]| At length I saw the light fall on$4$ the identical skull he was 109:141,18[A ]| in$4$ search of. He perceived it at the same instant, picked it 109:141,19[A ]| up$5$ from the damp humid earth, and held it aloft in$4$ his hand 109:141,20[A ]| with an air of triumph. I nodded to$9$ signify approval, and 109:141,21[A ]| he then placed it inside his jumper, and gave me a signal to$9$ 109:141,22[A ]| draw him up$5$. 109:141,23@a | "Are both your hands at liberty, Bob?" 109:141,23[A ]| I asked in$4$ a low 109:141,24[A ]| tone, for$3$ a whisper is almost audible from the top to$4$ the 109:141,25[A ]| bottom of a shaft. 109:141,26@b | "Yes, quite." 109:141,27@a | "Then I shall just secure the rope to$4$ the upright, and you 109:141,28@a | must ascend hand over hand." 109:141,29[A ]| I did not explain my reason for$4$ so$5#2$ doing, but doubtlessly 109:141,30[A ]| he guessed it. Quickly shifting the rope from the barrel to$4$ 109:141,31[A ]| one of the uprights of the framework, and making it secure, 109:141,32[A ]| I let him clamber to$4$ the surface as best he could. A few 109:141,33[A ]| minutes later he stood by$4$ my side. We then drew up$5$ the 109:141,34[A ]| rope, coiled it, and without interchanging a word, retraced 109:141,35[A ]| our steps to$4$ my tent, which$6#1$ we soon reached. I looked at 109:141,36[A ]| my watch, and as Mason had predicted, we had finished our 109:141,37[A ]| work before midnight, for$3$ it was just ten minutes to$4$ twelve. 109:141,38[A ]| We now had out the rum bottle again, and lighting our 109:141,39[A ]| pipes, prepared to$9$ enjoy ourselves. 109:142,01@a | "Whose tent is that$6#2$, Bob, close to$4$ the shaft?" 109:142,01[A ]| I asked. 109:142,02@b | "Oh, I know: a fellow called Adams hangs out there" 109:142,03@a | "Do not you fancy it is a strange thing that$3$ he never heard 109:142,04@a | your shouts during those three days and nights that$6#1$ you were 109:142,05@a | in$4$ the hole?" 109:142,05[A ]| I remarked, drily. 109:142,06@b | "So$3$ it was, very odd, living so$5#1$ close by$5$ as he did, too; but 109:142,07@b | I believe he is deaf. I know that$3$ he used to$9$ complain of 109:142,08@b | being so$5#2$ when he was a mate of mine at Gardiner's*Creek, 109:142,09@b | some two years ago." 109:142,10@a | "Does he know of your adventure in$4$ that$6#2$ shaft, or anything 109:142,11@a | of what you saw there?" 109:142,12@b | "Oh no$7$; I have not seen him since. You are the only 109:142,13@b | man I have told of the skull business, and the only one 109:142,14@b | I shall tell." 109:142,15@a | "That$6#2$ is right, Bob; a still tongue makes a wise head, you 109:142,16@a | know. In$4$ less than a month, ay, perhaps in$4$ less than a 109:142,17@a | week, all the flat may know of it. It seems to$4$ me this fellow 109:142,18@a | Adams is a queer one. What is he doing now? I do not 109:142,19@a | see any sign of another hole about his tent, and that$6#2$ old 109:142,20@a | shaft has long since been deserted. Has he given up$5$ 109:142,21@a | digging?" 109:142,22@b | "Not he, he has got a claim and has sunk a hole quite at 109:142,23@b | the other end of the flat; he works in$4$ it every day, too, 109:142,24@b | and has lately turned up$5$ some tidy nuggets there. Why, 109:142,25@b | bless your heart, his claim is only half a stonethrow from 109:142,26@b | mine," 109:142,26[A ]| said Mason. 109:142,27@a | "When why on$4$ earth does not he pitch his tent close to$4$ his 109:142,28@a | new hole, instead of leaving it by$4$ the deserted one? He has 109:142,29@a | a two-mile walk every day to$4$ and from work." 109:142,30@b | "I do not know; he is a rum cove altogether, a mighty 109:142,31@b | savage chap too. He was in$4$ California some time, and his 109:142,32@b | revolver and knife are as ready as his tongue, ~~ a little more so$5#2$, 109:142,33@b | in$4$ fact: for$3$ Jack*Adams prefers biting to$4$ barking any day, 109:142,34@b | I can tell you." 109:142,35[A ]| I now changed the conversation to$4$ other subjects, and 109:142,36[A ]| shortly after Bob*Mason got up$5$ to$9$ go home, leaving the skull 109:142,37[A ]| behind him. 109:142,38[A ]| After he had gone, I immediately set to$4$ work to$9$ examine 109:142,39[A ]| my treasure by$4$ the aid of a tallow dip stuck in$4$ a ginger-beer 109:143,01[A ]| bottle. The skull was just like$4$ any other skull, for$3$ the flesh 109:143,02[A ]| had been all stripped off it long ago by$4$ rats and other vermin, 109:143,03[A ]| but there was the hole over the left eye socket, just as 109:143,04[A ]| Mason had described. I saw that$3$ it was knife-work at once, 109:143,05[A ]| and going to$4$ my box I rummaged up$5$ the rusty old bowie 109:143,06[A ]| knife that$6#1$ Mason had given me the day before, and thrust it 109:143,07[A ]| into the incision. It fitted it exactly; a fool could not have 109:143,08[A ]| doubted but that$3$ that$6#2$ knife and that$6#2$ head had been previously 109:143,09[A ]| acquainted. 109:143,10[A ]| All this was very satisfactory, so$3$ far as it went, but the 109:143,11[A ]| next and most difficult thing of all was to$9$ find the murderer, 109:143,12[A ]| and to$9$ bring the crime home to$4$ him. I had already, as before 109:143,13[A ]| observed, strong suspicions against Mr%*Jack*Adams; and I 109:143,14[A ]| passed another sleepless night in$4$ laying schemes whereby to$9$ 109:143,15[A ]| bring him within my toils, for$3$ it was broad daylight before 109:143,16[A ]| I had concocted a sufficiently practicable plot to$9$ stand any 109:143,17[A ]| chance of success. 109:143,18[A ]| I first of all set about forming Adams's acquaintance, which$6#1$ 109:143,19[A ]| I managed to$9$ do the following day at the "Olive*Leaf" 109:143,20[A ]| shanty at knock-off hour, and before a week had expired 109:143,21[A ]| sundry drinks had, in$4$ a way, cemented it, and a sort of 109:143,22[A ]| friendship arose between us. 109:143,23[A ]| One Sunday afternoon I strolled carelessly past the deserted 109:143,24[A ]| hole and Adams's tent, calmly smoking my pipe and with my 109:143,25[A ]| hands in$4$ my pockets, wearing the air of a man who$6#1$ is lazily 109:143,26[A ]| taking his constitutional, and wanders as his nose or fancy leads 109:143,27[A ]| him. All at once I heard a gruff voice halloo out, 109:143,27@c | "Hoy: 109:143,28@c | boy, Mitchell!" 109:143,28[A ]| I glanced round and pretended to$9$ look surprised, 109:143,29[A ]| as my eyes fell on$4$ the burly form of Jack*Adams lying 109:143,30[A ]| on$4$ the ground outside his tent, his hands under his head and 109:143,31[A ]| a short black pipe between his teeth. 109:143,32@a | "Halloo, is that$6#2$ you, Adams? So$3$ you hang out here, do 109:143,33@a | you: Why, man alive, I thought you were fixed up$5$ by$4$ 109:143,34@a | O'Neil's shanty, on$4$ the other side of the flat," 109:143,34[A ]| I said, with an 109:143,35[A ]| air of surprise, as I turned back and sat, or rather squatted 109:143,36[A ]| down by$4$ his side. 109:143,37@c | "Oh no$7$, I am not, nor never was; what made you think 109:143,38@c | that$6#2$?" 109:144,39@a | "Why, I could have sworn that$3$ as I passed along the 109:144,01@a | ridge there the other morning I saw you at work close 109:144,02@a | by$5$." 109:144,03@c | "Yes, I dare say you did; I have a hole there." 109:144,04@a | "There?" 109:144,04[A ]| I exclaimed, in$4$ accents of assumed surprise. 109:144,05@a | "Why on$4$ earth do not you pitch your tent there, then?" 109:144,06[A ]| I saw that$3$ the suddenness of the question had taken him 109:144,07[A ]| aback; but after a draw from his pipe he said, 109:144,07@c | "Oh, I do not 109:144,08@c | like$4$ the neighbourhood there, I prefer this place." 109:144,09[A ]| The reason was a poor one, for$3$ the part of the diggings 109:144,10[A ]| where he was now located, and which$6#1$ he pretended to$9$ prefer, 109:144,11[A ]| was marshy, unhealthy, very gloomy; and I knew that$3$ the 109:144,12[A ]| water, which$6#1$ was very good on$4$ the other side, was here impregnated 109:144,13[A ]| with mineral substances, and most offensive to$4$ the 109:144,14[A ]| taste. 109:144,15@a | "Ah, you may \like$1$\ it best, for$3$ you have more elbow-room 109:144,16@a | here, I grant; but are not you afraid of having your hole plundered 109:144,17@a | at night, and you so$5#1$ far away from it?" 109:144,18@c | "Oh no$7$, not I. They know me, they do, and I guess that$3$ 109:144,19@c | most of them do vally their skins too much to$9$ try it on$4$ with 109:144,20@c | Jack*Adams," 109:144,20[A ]| said the fellow, with an oath too horrible to$9$ 109:144,21[A ]| record. 109:144,22[A ]| I had not won much ground on$4$ that$6#2$ tack, so$3$, after a few 109:144,23[A ]| minutes' silent puffing at my pipe, I said carelessly, nodding 109:144,24[A ]| towards the neighbouring shaft, 109:144,24@a | "Did you ever work that$6#2$ 109:144,25@a | claim, mate?" 109:144,26@c | "Yes, \rather\: Bill*Taylor and I was mates there a twelve-month 109:144,27@c | agone, and a tidy bit we made out of it too." 109:144,28@a | "Bill*Taylor: heavens: I knew Bill*Taylor well in$4$ England. 109:144,29@a | Where is he now? By$4$ Jove, I am so$5#1$ glad I began 109:144,30@a | to$9$ talk about that$6#2$ hole. How delighted I shall be to$9$ 109:144,31@a | see the old fellow!" 109:144,31[A ]| I exclaimed, in$4$ excited tones. It is 109:144,32[A ]| needless to$9$ confess that$3$ I never heard the name before in$4$ 109:144,33[A ]| my life. 109:144,34[A ]| I saw that$3$ I had caught Adams for$4$ a second time on$4$ the 109:144,35[A ]| ground-hop. I perceived that$3$ his mahogany-tinted countenance 109:144,36[A ]| actually grew pale, and his voice had lost its loud 109:144,37[A ]| blustering tones, as he said, 109:144,37@c | "I am afraid you never will$1$ clap 109:144,38@c | eyes on$4$ that$6#2$ coon, for$3$ the day after we had our best find he 109:144,39@c | said he would have a holiday, so$3$ he took his gun and went 109:145,01@c | into the bush to$9$ shoot parrot. I never saw him afterwards; 109:145,02@c | I dare say he lost his way and died of hunger." 109:145,03[A ]| It was not likely that$3$ I swallowed this cock-and-bull story, 109:145,04[A ]| but of course I pretended to$9$, and expressed abundance of 109:145,05[A ]| sorrow and pity for$4$ the fate of poor Bill*Taylor; though at 109:145,06[A ]| the same time feeling pretty sure that$3$ I had his skull at 109:145,07[A ]| home in$4$ my tent, and that$3$ his body was lying not in$4$ the 109:145,08[A ]| bush, but snugly buried under the turf in$4$ a spot not very 109:145,09[A ]| remote from where I now sat; in$4$ fact, I shrewdly conjectured 109:145,10[A ]| that$3$ his grave was dug inside Jack*Adams' very 109:145,11[A ]| tent. 109:145,12[A ]| I had done enough pumping for$4$ one day, for$3$ I did not 109:145,13[A ]| want to$9$ awaken any suspicions in$4$ the breast of my new 109:145,14[A ]| friend, so$3$ we chatted for$4$ some time on$4$ various subjects, and 109:145,15[A ]| then I rose and took my leave. 109:145,16[A ]| I suffered three days to$9$ pass before I came across Adams 109:145,17[A ]| again. This time I watched him into a shanty, and walking 109:145,18[A ]| in$5$ about five minutes later, recognised him as though accidentally, 109:145,19[A ]| and asked him to$9$ have a wet. Master*Jack readily 109:145,20[A ]| assented, and I soon contrived to$9$ get him into a sufficient 109:145,21[A ]| state of jollity to$9$ illustrate the proverb, 109:145,21@z | "When the wine is 109:145,22@z | in$5$ the wit is out." 109:145,22[A ]| I then enticed him away, telling him that$3$ 109:145,23[A ]| he had had enough, got him outside, and volunteered to$9$ walk 109:145,24[A ]| part of the way home with him. 109:145,25[A ]| Adams was not drunk ~~ had he been so$5#2$ it would not have 109:145,26[A ]| suited my views, ~~ but he had taken just enough to$9$ dissipate 109:145,27[A ]| his usual caution, and I felt sure that$3$ he would not be on$4$ his 109:145,28[A ]| guard when replying to$4$ my questions. 109:145,29[A ]| For$4$ some minutes I walked by$4$ his side in$4$ silence; then I 109:145,30[A ]| said, carelessly, 109:145,30@a | "How long ago is it since you worked the old 109:145,31@a | shaft by$4$ your tent, Jack?" 109:145,32@c | "Not since Bill*Taylor's death, mate; or at least, I mean 109:145,33@c | to$9$ say, it was about a week after he lost himself that$3$ I gave it 109:145,34@c | up$5$." 109:145,35[A ]| I noticed the clumsy correction, but took no$2$ heed of it. 109:145,36@a | "Why did you abandon it, mate? Did not it pay for$4$ 109:145,37@a | working?" 109:145,38@c | "Not a bit of it, we was clean down on$4$ the rock; there 109:145,39@c | is not a bit of gold left in$4$ the hole." 109:146,01[A ]| This statement did not exactly correspond with his boasting 109:146,02[A ]| on$4$ the previous Sunday afternoon of the "tidy lot of gold" 109:146,03[A ]| himself and mate had got out of the hole a day or two before 109:146,04[A ]| the final disappearance of the latter; so$3$ I said, 109:146,04@a | "I am sure, 109:146,05@a | mate, you overlooked something, for$3$ that$6#2$ old shaft holds a 109:146,06@a | secret that$6#1$ no*one on$4$ the flat knows about," 109:146,06[A ]| I said, in$4$ 109:146,07[A ]| slow, impressive tones, looking him full in$4$ the face as I 109:146,08[A ]| spoke. 109:146,09[A ]| By$4$ George: the expression of Adams's face at that$6#2$ moment 109:146,10[A ]| was a treat to$9$ witness. He turned as pale as death, his eyes 109:146,11[A ]| seemed to$9$ be starting out of his head, his legs shook under 109:146,12[A ]| him, as he exclaimed, 109:146,12@c | "A secret: what do you mean? 109:146,13@c | There is no$2$ secret there. Hang it, man, what secret should I 109:146,14@c | have?" 109:146,15@a | "\You\ have: Come, I like$1$ that$6#2$. I never supposed that$3$ 109:146,16@a | \you\ had it, Adams, or you would be working there again with a 109:146,17@a | will$0$." 109:146,18@c | "Then what on$4$ earth do you mean? Do not talk riddles, 109:146,19@c | man, for$3$ I am clumsy at guessing them," 109:146,19[A ]| said he, half angrily, 109:146,20[A ]| and yet considerably reassured. 109:146,21@a | "Well, then, Jack, I mean this, that$3$ I have examined the 109:146,22@a | dip of the land and other things, and I have come to$4$ the conclusion 109:146,23@a | that$3$ that$6#2$ hole is not half worked out yet. I meant 109:146,24@a | to$9$ double on$4$ you and jump it, but as you look upon$4$ it as 109:146,25@a | your own like$5$, I could not bring myself to$9$ do such a shabby 109:146,26@a | trick, particularly as we have become friends, so$3$ I propose that$3$ 109:146,27@a | we work it as mates. You will$1$ find it a profitable spec, I 109:146,28@a | feel sure." 109:146,29[A ]| I spoke with such an air of candour that$3$ Adams never 109:146,30[A ]| doubted my sincerity for$4$ a moment, but then, by$4$ every argument 109:146,31[A ]| in$4$ his power, he sought to$9$ persuade me out of my 109:146,32[A ]| assumed belief. It was quite amusing to$9$ listen to$4$ him. 109:146,33[A ]| Doubtless he would not have gone down into that$6#2$ hole 109:146,34[A ]| again for$4$ the world; and for$4$ any*one else to$9$ do so$5#2$ would 109:146,35[A ]| have been still worse, for$3$ the discovery of the skull could 109:146,36[A ]| not but cause ugly queries to$9$ arise, which$6#1$ might somehow 109:146,37[A ]| implicate him in$4$ the matter. His protestations and vociferations 109:147,01[A ]| more than ever confirmed my previous convictions; and 109:147,02[A ]| when I parted from him I lost no$2$ time in$4$ obtaining an interview 109:147,03[A ]| with the proper authorities, explaining matters to$4$ them, 109:147,04[A ]| and procuring a warrant to$9$ arrest Jack*Adams 109:147,04@z | "for$4$ the 109:147,05@z | murder of one William*Taylor." 109:147,06[A ]| I was away from the flat a whole day effecting this, and 109:147,07[A ]| when I got back to$4$ my tent I was too tired to$9$ do anything 109:147,08[A ]| but turn in$5$ and get a sleep. 109:147,09[A ]| The following day, however, at knock-off hour, I came 109:147,10[A ]| across my man, and assuming a blithe tone, I told him that$3$ 109:147,11[A ]| I had had a lucky find, and to$9$ commemorate the occasion 109:147,12[A ]| had got sundry bottles of grog and ale, a cheese, and other 109:147,13[A ]| good cheer, from the "Magnolia," and invited him to$9$ come 109:147,14[A ]| into my tent and help to$9$ keep it up$5$. 109:147,15[A ]| Adams readily assented ~~ he was not the one to$9$ decline an 109:147,16[A ]| offer to$9$ shout from any*one ~~ and we went into the tent 109:147,17[A ]| together. 109:147,18[A ]| On$4$ the way I adroitly picked his pocket of his heavy clasp-knife, 109:147,19[A ]| and transferred it to$4$ my own. 109:147,20[A ]| The reader will$1$ naturally imagine that$3$ I did this in$4$ order 109:147,21[A ]| to$9$ prevent his drawing it and doing me a mischief when I 109:147,22[A ]| arrested him, but such an idea as this never crossed my mind. 109:147,23[A ]| I had another object in$4$ view, which$6#1$ was to$9$ bring the crime 109:147,24[A ]| still closer home to$4$ him. 109:147,25[A ]| Well, we entered the tent, and I put bottles, bread, 109:147,26[A ]| cheese, meat, and other things on$4$ the inverted cask that$6#1$ 109:147,27[A ]| served me for$4$ a table, and bade Master*Jack sit down and 109:147,28[A ]| partake. 109:147,29[A ]| Drawing my clasp-knife from my pocket (table-knives and 109:147,30[A ]| forks were not often amongst the household furniture of a 109:147,31[A ]| digger), I began helping myself, and bid my companioin do 109:147,32[A ]| the same, and not to$9$ stand upon$4$ ceremony. 109:147,33[A ]| Adams growled assent, and dived his hand into his pocket 109:147,34[A ]| for$4$ his knife. No$7$, it was not that$6#2$ one: and he tried the 109:147,35[A ]| others with equal ill-success. 109:147,35@c | "Dang it, I have left my tater-scraper 109:147,36@c | at home, I reckon," 109:147,36[A ]| he said at length. 109:147,37@a | "What, lost your knife?" 109:147,37[A ]| I asked. 109:147,38@c | "Why, it looks like$4$ it, mate," 109:147,38[A ]| he responded. 109:147,39@a | "Oh, never mind, I can lend you one, Jack," 109:147,39[A ]| said I; and 109:148,01[A ]| as I spoke I drew from out my breeches pocket the rusty 109:148,02[A ]| Congress knife that$6#1$ had been found in$4$ the old shaft, and 109:148,03[A ]| handed it to$4$ him. 109:148,04[A ]| No$2$ sooner did his gaze rest upon$4$ that$6#2$ accusing steel than 109:148,05[A ]| his face grew white as a sheet, his eyes seemed glaring out of 109:148,06[A ]| his head with horror, his teeth clattered like$4$ a shaken dice-box. 109:148,07[A ]| He staggered to$4$ his feet, though his legs nearly refused 109:148,08[A ]| to$9$ support him, and stammered out, 109:148,08@c | "That$6#2$ knife ~~ where did 109:148,09@c | you get that$6#2$ knife from?" 109:148,10@a | "Where you threw it, rascal. I arrest you, John*Adams, 109:148,11@a | for$4$ the murder of your mate, William*Taylor." 109:148,12@c | "Arrest me? Who$6#2$ are \you\, then?" 109:148,12[A ]| he asked, in$4$ a confused 109:148,13[A ]| tone. 109:148,14@a | "I am detective*Brooke, of the Melbourne force," 109:148,14[A ]| I answered, 109:148,15[A ]| as I drew the handcuffs from my pocket, and sprang 109:148,16[A ]| upon$4$ him. 109:148,17[A ]| I fancied that$3$ the fellow was too frightened to$9$ offer any 109:148,18[A ]| resistance, but I was mistaken. His panic had been but 109:148,19[A ]| momentary, and he now displayed a strong objection to$4$ the 109:148,20[A ]| irons. A tremendous blow, delivered straight from the 109:148,21[A ]| shoulder, and which$6#1$ I only guarded just in$4$ time, showed me 109:148,22[A ]| that$3$ I had met more than my match. He was greatly my 109:148,23[A ]| superior in$4$ weight and strength, and I was well aware that$3$ 109:148,24[A ]| unless aid arrived I should fight the losing game. 109:148,25[A ]| I had provided for$4$ this contingency, for$3$ all this time, Bob*Mason, 109:148,26[A ]| armed with a heavy sprig of shillelah, had been 109:148,27[A ]| waiting outside the tent, ready to$9$ put in$4$ an appearance 109:148,28[A ]| directly such a step was expedient. Seeing that$3$ we had 109:148,29[A ]| come to$4$ actual fisticuffs, and that$3$ Jack*Adams was getting 109:148,30[A ]| the better of me, he rushed in$5$, and with a blow of his cudgel 109:148,31[A ]| brought the murderer to$4$ the ground. 109:148,32@b | "Now, then, on$5$ with the bracelets. Quick: the villain's 109:148,33@b | stunned!" 109:148,33[A ]| he said. 109:148,34[A ]| I was about to$9$ do so$5#2$, when I discovered that$3$ through some 109:148,35[A ]| carelessness the key had fallen out. 109:148,35@a | "Keep your eye on$4$ 109:148,36@a | him while I find the key," 109:148,36[A ]| I whispered, and began to$9$ hunt 109:148,37[A ]| about on$4$ the ground for$4$ it, fancying it had dropped in$4$ the 109:148,38[A ]| struggle. 109:148,39[A ]| Mason stood over the prostrate Adams with his stick 109:149,01[A ]| raised, but believing him to$9$ be insensible, his eyes wandered 109:149,02[A ]| around to$9$ aid me in$4$ discovering the lost key. Adams, who$6#1$ 109:149,03[A ]| had only been shamming that$3$ he was stunned, saw all this 109:149,04[A ]| through his half-closed eyes, and suddenly grasping Bob*Mason 109:149,05[A ]| by$4$ the leg, threw him over on$4$ his back in$4$ a twinkling; 109:149,06[A ]| and springing to$4$ his feet just as I made a rush at him, sent 109:149,07[A ]| me staggering against the ridge pole with a back-handed 109:149,08[A ]| blow on$4$ the chest, and then seizing the stick out of Mason's 109:149,09[A ]| relaxed grasp, he sprang over him and darted out of the 109:149,10[A ]| tent. 109:149,11[A ]| All this was done like$4$ a flash of lightning; the next 109:149,12[A ]| instant Mason was on$4$ his feet, and we were gazing into each 109:149,13[A ]| other's faces like$4$ two asses as we were. 109:149,14@a | "After him mate!" 109:149,14[A ]| I shouted, pulling two revolvers from 109:149,15[A ]| my box, and deeply regretting that$3$ I had not had one by$4$ me 109:149,16[A ]| when I handed Adams the rusty knife. I gave one of them 109:149,17[A ]| to$4$ Bob, stuck the other in$4$ my own belt, and we dashed out 109:149,18[A ]| of the tent in$4$ pursuit. 109:149,19[A ]| Adams was already at least a hundred yards in$4$ advance; 109:149,20[A ]| his hat was gone, his long uncombed hair streamed in$4$ the 109:149,21[A ]| wind; he was running for$4$ his life, and heading for$4$ the extreme 109:149,22[A ]| right of the flat in$4$ the direction of his own tent. I 109:149,23[A ]| immediately concluded that$3$ once there he would seize his 109:149,24[A ]| pistols, stand at bay, and show fight. 109:149,25[A ]| This part of the flat was thinly peopled of an evening, so$3$ 109:149,26[A ]| that$3$ our race was not impeded by$4$ any*one. The few who$6#1$ 109:149,27[A ]| did perceive us only stared, probably thinking that$3$ we were 109:149,28[A ]| running for$4$ a bet. 109:149,29[A ]| The reader may perhaps wonder that$3$ we did not hail any*one 109:149,30[A ]| to$9$ stop him, but there were so$5#1$ many roughs on$4$ the flat, 109:149,31[A ]| that$3$ had we done so$5#2$ we might have won an enemy the 109:149,32[A ]| more instead of a friend; and then we neither of us cared 109:149,33[A ]| for$4$ the story to$9$ get abroad of how an unarmed man had 109:149,34[A ]| thrashed and escaped from two armed ones, for$3$ my handcuffs 109:149,35[A ]| ought to$9$ have been as efficient a weapon at close 109:149,36[A ]| quarters as Bob's stick. So$3$ on$5$ and on$5$ we went, gradually 109:149,37[A ]| lessening the distance between pursuers and pursued, until 109:149,38[A ]| at last, as I had conjectured, we ran him to$4$ earth in$4$ his 109:149,39[A ]| own tent. 109:150,01@a | "Stop, Mason, he has weapons there; let us lie down 109:150,02@a | behind this ridge," 109:150,02[A ]| I said to$4$ my companion, for$3$ Adams might 109:150,03[A ]| have shot both of us down with ease through any holes in$4$ 109:150,04[A ]| the canvas of his tent ~~ and every old tent has such holes 109:150,05[A ]| ~~ whilst he would be perfectly concealed. 109:150,06[A ]| Mason read my thoughts in$4$ a moment, and we both lay 109:150,07[A ]| down behind the steep mound of earth which$6#1$ had been 109:150,08[A ]| thrown up$5$ in$4$ digging the shaft. The tent was now about 109:150,09[A ]| forty yards from us, within easy range of our revolvers, and 109:150,10[A ]| as we lay there with our fingers on$4$ the triggers of our weapons, 109:150,11[A ]| Adams, came boldly out to$4$ the door of his tent, and 109:150,12[A ]| fired at Mason's head, which$6#1$ for$4$ a moment was raised above 109:150,13[A ]| our earthwork. 109:150,14[A ]| The aim was a good one, for$3$ the bullet passed clean 109:150,15[A ]| through Bob's hat, grazing his scalp rather sharply in$4$ its 109:150,16[A ]| passage. 109:150,17[A ]| Mason ground his teeth with rage as he returned the shot, 109:150,18[A ]| but his bullet sped about a yard wide of the mark; and in$4$ 109:150,19[A ]| return Adams fired his second barrel, the ball this time ripping 109:150,20[A ]| up$5$ the sleeve of my coat. 109:150,21[A ]| Crack went my own revolver in$4$ reply, and Adams's pistol 109:150,22[A ]| arm fell helpless by$4$ his side; the leaden messenger had 109:150,23[A ]| sped right through his shoulder, smashing the bone in$4$ its 109:150,24[A ]| passage. 109:150,25[A ]| He was plucky to$4$ the backbone, however, and though suffering 109:150,26[A ]| excruciating torture, he picked up$5$ the pistol that$6#1$ had 109:150,27[A ]| dropped from his nerveless grasp, with his left hand, and 109:150,28[A ]| blazed away at us again. 109:150,29[A ]| It was plain, however, that$3$ he had never practised left-hand 109:150,30[A ]| firing, his bullets flew very wide of the mark, and 109:150,31[A ]| another shot that$6#1$ passed right through his leg did for$4$ him. 109:150,32[A ]| He again dropped his pistol and threw up$5$ his left arm as a 109:150,33[A ]| signal that$3$ he yielded. 109:150,34[A ]| Bob*Mason and I at once quitted our cover, and rushed 109:150,35[A ]| upon$4$ him, the irons were on$4$ his wrists in$4$ a trice, and he was 109:150,36[A ]| completely in$4$ our power. Pain and defeat had not conquered 109:150,37[A ]| his bravado, and he spared neither taunts nor 109:150,38[A ]| curses. 109:150,39@c | "Tut, you blockheads, what can an old rusty knife do? 109:151,01@c | There is many a one like$4$ it on$4$ the flat," 109:151,01[A ]| he growled at 109:151,02[A ]| last. 109:151,03@a | "When the chemist comes to$9$ test the rust on$4$ it perhaps 109:151,04@a | he will$1$ tell a different tale," 109:151,04[A ]| I said. 109:151,05@c | "And what if he does find it is blood? who$6#2$ can swear that$3$ 109:151,06@c | I have not killed a pig or a sheep with it?" 109:151,07@a | "The microscope will$1$ show whether it is the rust of an 109:151,08@a | animal's blood or the rust of a man's blood," 109:151,08[A ]| I said, 109:151,09[A ]| solemnly. 109:151,10@c | "You jest ~~ such a thing is impossible," 109:151,10[A ]| exlaimed Adams, 109:151,11[A ]| with a stare of stupefied amazement. The expression of low 109:151,12[A ]| cunning soon returned to$4$ his countenance, and he said with 109:151,13[A ]| a laugh, ~~ 109:151,14@c | "Ah: ah: ah: and if he does, where is the body? By$4$ 109:151,15@c | Jove, where is the body? that$6#2$ will$1$ slew you. The body 109:151,16@c | ~~ where is the body, you thundering idiots?" 109:151,17@a | "Under your feet, just where you now lie, Jack*Adams," 109:151,18[A ]| I said, sternly. 109:151,19@c | "Man or devil, it is false," 109:151,19[A ]| shouted the digger; but his face 109:151,20[A ]| had turned white as that$6#2$ of a corpse again, and he was 109:151,21[A ]| trembling in$4$ every limb. 109:151,22@a | "Bob, take that$6#2$ pick, my man, and let us dig." 109:151,22[A ]| And I seized 109:151,23[A ]| a spade as I spoke, and rolling Adams out of the way, we 109:151,24[A ]| commenced digging just at the spot where the ruffian had 109:151,25[A ]| thrown himself when we ironed him. 109:151,26[A ]| We worked with a will$0$, and in$4$ less than ten minutes we 109:151,27[A ]| had got down a yard. Jack*Adams by$4$ this time looked like$4$ 109:151,28[A ]| a dead man himself; his braggadocia and bravado had 109:151,29[A ]| totally disappeared; he shivered and trembled to$4$ such an 109:151,30[A ]| extent as almost to$9$ shake the tent. 109:151,31[A ]| Suddenly my spade struck against something hollow, at 109:151,32[A ]| the same instant the point of Bob's pick caught in$4$ some 109:151,33[A ]| obstacle. He dragged it upwards with all his force, and lo: 109:151,34[A ]| a headless skeleton was exposed to$4$ view. Bob's pick had 109:151,35[A ]| caught in$4$ one of the ribs. 109:151,36[A ]| At sight of that$6#2$ terrible relic of the departed, Jack*Adams 109:151,37[A ]| uttered a wild cry, and fainted. 109:151,38[A ]| The reader may wonder how I became so$5#1$ thoroughly convinced 109:151,39[A ]| that$3$ the body of the murdered man was buried in$4$ 109:152,01[A ]| that$6#2$ spot. Well, I had several reasons for$4$ such a conviction. 109:152,02[A ]| Firstly, Adams's persistency in$4$ keeping his tent pitched so$5#1$ 109:152,03[A ]| close to$4$ the old shaft, which$6#1$, had there not been a peremptory 109:152,04[A ]| reason for$4$ remaining near, he would naturally have been glad 109:152,05[A ]| to$9$ quit the proximity of. Secondly, a faint musty smell that$6#1$ 109:152,06[A ]| I had remarked during my previous visits to$4$ Adams. And 109:152,07[A ]| thirdly, because I noticed that$3$ when, faint from his wounds, 109:152,08[A ]| he had sunk to$4$ the ground, instead of falling where he had 109:152,09[A ]| stood, he struggled for$4$ at least three yards in$4$ order to$9$ fall on$4$ 109:152,10[A ]| a particular spot. Adams naturally feared to$9$ remove his 109:152,11[A ]| tent lest the ground it had stood on$5$ might be dug up$5$, a most 109:152,12[A ]| probable thing on$4$ a gold-field, and the secret it held be 109:152,13[A ]| revealed to$4$ the world. 109:152,14[A ]| Adams was perfectly passive after this discovery, and 109:152,15[A ]| allowed us to$9$ take him off to$4$ prison in$4$ a spring-cart without 109:152,16[A ]| the slightest show of resistance. The police magistrate, 109:152,17[A ]| before whom he was first taken, remanded him to$4$ the Criminal*Sessions 109:152,18[A ]| at Melbourne; the day of trial came on$5$, and 109:152,19[A ]| of course I made sure of a conviction. I was, however, 109:152,20[A ]| doomed to$4$ disappointment, for$3$ John*Adams was actually 109:152,21[A ]| acquitted, the jury, after half an hour's consideration, bringing 109:152,22[A ]| in$4$ the verdict 109:152,22@x | "\Not guilty.\" 109:152,22[A ]| Afterwards he was tried 109:152,23[A ]| on$4$ the second charge, and sentenced to$4$ five years' penal 109:152,24[A ]| servitude for$4$ "shooting with intent" at myself and Bob*Mason 109:152,25[A ]| when we attempted to$9$ capture him. 109:152,26[A ]| Never in$4$ my life was I so$5#1$ inclined to$9$ sneer at the inability 109:152,27[A ]| of the criminal law to$9$ punish crime as in$4$ the present instance. 109:152,28[A ]| True, the body of the murdered man was not 109:152,29[A ]| identified, nor could it be proved point-blank that$3$ 109:152,30[A ]| Adams was his murderer. Yet am I convinced that$3$ every*one 109:152,31[A ]| in$4$ court, one or two obstinate jurymen excepted, felt 109:152,32[A ]| certain of the fellow's guilt, and were astounded at his 109:152,33[A ]| acquittal. 109:152,34[A ]| As to$4$ the operation of the law at the diggings, and its 109:152,35[A ]| competency to$9$ grapple with the crimes of an uncivilized 109:152,36[A ]| mob, the facts narrated in$4$ the above tale will$1$ enable the 109:152,37[A ]| reader to$9$ judge; there is no$2$ need of discussing the subject 109:152,38[A ]| logically. When I visited the Californian gold-fields 109:152,39[A ]| some years previously, life and property were more secure 109:153,01[A ]| there than they were during the years 1852 and 1853 at the 109:153,02[A ]| Victorian diggings. Without law save the law of honour, 109:153,03[A ]| without restraint except that$6#2$ imposed by$4$ fear of summary 109:153,04[A ]| punishment, which$6#1$ was sure to$9$ follow the only crimes cognizable 109:153,05[A ]| under the new code, those of \stealing\ and \murder\, 109:153,06[A ]| we were comparatively safe. If the "way of the transgressor 109:153,07[A ]| was hard," it was also speedily terminated. It was 109:153,08[A ]| the reign of the rifle and the halter. And yet this was a 109:153,09[A ]| people who$6#1$ had been accustomed to$4$ the laws of civilized 109:153,10[A ]| countries, and who$6#1$ loved order. The principles of a republican 109:153,11[A ]| government were only adapting themselves to$4$ a new 109:153,12[A ]| and untried emergency. The crime was committed, and 109:153,13[A ]| proved in$4$ the presence of a competent and impartial jury, 109:153,14[A ]| who$6#1$ were also required to$9$ award the punishment. The sentence 109:153,15[A ]| was pronounced by$4$ the alcaid. A grave was dug, the 109:153,16[A ]| sharp crack of the rifle was heard, the body was buried, and 109:153,17[A ]| every man proceeded silently to$4$ his own work. There was 109:153,18[A ]| no$2$ lawyer's finesse, no$2$ twistings and turnings of special 109:153,19[A ]| pleading, no$2$ absurd precedents or legal quibbles, affording 109:153,20[A ]| the accused a hundred loopholes to$9$ escape by$5$, when morally 109:153,21[A ]| not one in$4$ a thousand could doubt his guilt; and yet, during 109:153,22[A ]| the thirteen months that$6#1$ I remained in$4$ the State, I never 109:153,23[A ]| once heard of a case in$4$ which$6#1$ the verdict given under the 109:153,24[A ]| first system was an unrighteous one, or the punishment 109:153,25[A ]| inflicted undeserved. But even here a change eventually 109:153,26[A ]| came. Laws were at last enacted on$4$ Californian gold-fields, 109:153,27[A ]| and the result was that$3$ crimes of every kind were soon very 109:153,28[A ]| prevalent, and the officers of justice were met with the taunts, 109:153,29@x | "Catch me if you can," 109:153,29@x | "Punish me if you dare." 109:153,29[A ]| Seldom 109:153,30[A ]| was the criminal captured, and when arrested more seldom 109:153,31[A ]| was he brought to$4$ punishment. There was but one opinion 109:153,32[A ]| amongst the miners, namely, that$3$ the system \without law, but\ 109:153,33[A ]| \with summary justice\, was \in$4$ the state of society which$6#1$ then\ 109:153,34[A ]| \existed\ in$4$ California incomparably better and more beneficial 109:153,35[A ]| to$4$ the majority than the system \with such law, but without\ 109:153,36[A ]| \justice.\ 109:153,37[A ]| Different diseases require different remedies; different 109:153,38[A ]| people require different forms of government; and laws that$6#1$ 109:153,39[A ]| are adapted to$4$ a great commercial enlightened nation like$4$ 109:154,01[A ]| England, or to$4$ a fully developed colony like$4$ Victoria at the 109:154,02[A ]| present day, will$1$ fail to$9$ suit the emergencies for$4$ which$6#1$ they 109:154,03[A ]| are required amid the tumult of a gold-field, which$6#1$ is a world 109:154,04[A ]| within itself, and often one which$6#1$ is infested with a great 109:154,05[A ]| number of the vilest scoundrels in$4$ existence. 110:155,00@@@@@| 110:155,00[' ]| 110:155,01[A ]| In$4$ the August of 1854 I quitted the mounted police force of 110:155,02[A ]| Victoria, and entered that$6#2$ of New*South*Wales. I do not 110:155,03[A ]| know why I took this step; perhaps it was that$6#2$ yearning after 110:155,04@z | "fresh fields and pastures new" 110:155,04[A ]| which$6#1$ seems to$9$ be an instinct 110:155,05[A ]| of human nature. Anyhow, one bright spring morning I 110:155,06[A ]| found myself on$4$ board the steamship \Illawarra\, clearing the 110:155,07[A ]| calm blue waters of Hobson's*Bay (the largest harbour in$4$ the 110:155,08[A ]| known world), with Queen's*Cliff and Point*Nepean some 110:155,09[A ]| three miles ahead, and beyond them the snow-crested waves 110:155,10[A ]| of Bass's*Straits. 110:155,11[A ]| I shall not inflict upon$4$ my readers a narrative of my voyage, 110:155,12[A ]| which$6#1$ if barren in$4$ incident was full enough of discomfort and 110:155,13[A ]| misery. I was a second cabin passenger, and the sea was so$5#1$ 110:155,14[A ]| rough during the entire voyage, that$3$ after tumbling into my 110:155,15[A ]| bunk when off Cape*Patterson, I never emerged from it until, 110:155,16[A ]| forty-five hours later, we entered Port*Jackson bay, and consequently 110:155,17[A ]| were in$4$ calm water. 110:155,18[A ]| By$4$ Jove, how my bones ached when I did get up$5$! for$3$ my 110:155,19[A ]| berth had been destitute of bed and bedding, and lying for$4$ 110:155,20[A ]| two days and nights on$4$ hard boards, added to$4$ the misery of 110:155,21[A ]| rolling from your left side to$4$ your right, and \vice*versa=\, at every 110:155,22[A ]| lurch of the ship, is almost sufficient to$9$ turn one into a jelly. 110:155,23[A ]| The eating and drinking, too ~~ ugh! How terrible an ordeal 110:155,24[A ]| it is for$4$ a seasick man to$9$ witness people possessed of ravenous 110:155,25[A ]| appetites! Three times a day were the dirty scratched tin 110:155,26[A ]| plates and cups placed on$4$ the oilclothed, tobacco-strewn, 110:155,27[A ]| beer-ring marked tables; and two immense tin dishes, one 110:155,28[A ]| holding a pile of stringy, half-raw beefsteaks, the other an 110:156,01[A ]| oniony and oleaginous mess of Irish stew, placed in$4$ the 110:156,02[A ]| centre of the board, stale loaves of bread being the only 110:156,03[A ]| adjuncts to$4$ this invariable bill of fare. When these horrible 110:156,04[A ]| meals were disposed of, the refuse was cleared away, greasy, 110:156,05[A ]| fly spotted packs of cards were produced, and after a five-minutes' 110:156,06[A ]| "chop-chop-chop" at "Barrett's*twist," or "nigger's*toe," 110:156,07[A ]| pipes were lighted, a cloud of impenetrable smoke 110:156,08[A ]| obscured the scene, and the only noises that$6#1$ were audible were 110:156,09[A ]| the "thump, thump, thump" of the screw, the "swish" of 110:156,10[A ]| the waves against the scuttle window at the side of my head, 110:156,11[A ]| the bleating of the sheep from above, where a hundred and 110:156,12[A ]| fifty of them were huddled in$4$ a mass on$4$ the fore*deck, rendering 110:156,13[A ]| it next to$4$ impossible for$4$ a steerage passenger to$9$ escape 110:156,14[A ]| from below during the entire voyage, mingled occasionally 110:156,15[A ]| with the shrill hissing of the steam, words of command 110:156,16[A ]| bellowed through a speaking-trumpet, and the clatter of the 110:156,17[A ]| tin and crockery in$4$ the steward's pantry; while nearer still, 110:156,18[A ]| cries of 110:156,18@x | "Four by$4$ cards!" 110:156,18@x | "Clubs is Trumps!" 110:156,18@x | "Game and 110:156,19@x | game!" 110:156,19@x | "High, low and Jack!" 110:156,19@x | "I scores three!" 110:156,19[A ]| and 110:156,20[A ]| similar exclamations, mingled with eternal spitting on$4$ all 110:156,21[A ]| sides, and sometimes loud calls for$4$ bottled ale and stout 110:156,22[A ]| (which$6#1$, by*the*bye were sold at the rate of half-a-crown a 110:156,23[A ]| bottle), with the consequent popping of corks; and last, 110:156,24[A ]| but by$4$ no$2$ means least, the continuous groaning of women 110:156,25[A ]| and screeching of children from the women's cabin, constituted, 110:156,26[A ]| when combined, as neat a little Babel or Pandemonium 110:156,27[A ]| as it is possible to$9$ conceive. 110:156,28[A ]| Never was a poor wretch more glad to$9$ get out of jail, mad-house, 110:156,29[A ]| or purgatory than was I to$9$ escape from that$6#2$ detestable 110:156,30[A ]| cabin. Directly the rolling of the ship ceased I scrambled 110:156,31[A ]| up$5$ on$4$ deck, and struggling through the poor penned-up sheep, 110:156,32[A ]| many of whom had died on$4$ the passage and been flung over-board, 110:156,33[A ]| I ascended the forecastle, and from thence surveyed 110:156,34[A ]| the beauty of the surrounding scene. 110:156,35[A ]| We had just passed the Heads, which$6#1$ reared their awful 110:156,36[A ]| heights in$4$ our rear like$4$ two precipitous walls of iron, surmounted 110:156,37[A ]| by$4$ massive crags that$6#1$ stood aloft like$4$ watch-towers 110:156,38[A ]| guarding the entrance to$4$ the most lovely harbour in$4$ the 110:156,39[A ]| world (the Bay*of*Naples or that$6#2$ of Valetta not excepted), 110:157,01[A ]| while eight hundred feet below lay piles of rock, variously 110:157,02[A ]| tinted with bright red, grey, and brown lichens, and set in$4$ 110:157,03[A ]| wreaths of vivid green boobyalla bushes that$6#1$ lie within the 110:157,04[A ]| dash of the ceaseless spray. 110:157,05[A ]| We rapidly ascended the harbour; presently the crescent 110:157,06[A ]| shaped range formed by$4$ the two headlands disappeared astern, 110:157,07[A ]| and on$4$ each side of us rose the steep rocky shore, where rough 110:157,08[A ]| rocks showed themselves from between the trunks of the 110:157,09[A ]| gigantic gum trees, while thick bush and scrub commenced 110:157,10[A ]| from the very edge of the narrow strip of sandy beach, and 110:157,11[A ]| continued up$5$ to$4$ the brow of the heights above. 110:157,12[A ]| Three more points of the winding shore rounded, and 110:157,13[A ]| the scene grew more peaceful and homely. White, green-verandahed 110:157,14[A ]| villas glittered here and there amid the foliage. 110:157,15[A ]| Graceful, slender young tea trees growing up$5$ between the 110:157,16[A ]| massive, mossy old rocks, drooped some of their long sprays 110:157,17[A ]| of snowy blossoms over the water: while groups of acacias ~~ 110:157,18[A ]| their bluish blooming foliage laden with fringed golden 110:157,19[A ]| clusters, hawthorn-like in$4$ fragrance ~~ grew just beyond, 110:157,20[A ]| waving their scented fronds where the eddying currents of 110:157,21[A ]| tributary creeks gurgled on$5$ to$9$ dissolve into their parent 110:157,22[A ]| stream. The still water through which$6#1$ we steamed was 110:157,23[A ]| blue as the heavens above, save where the shadow of the 110:157,24[A ]| dense smoke that$6#1$ rolled from the mouth of our funnel threw 110:157,25[A ]| a leaden hue across its broad bosom. Around us flocks of 110:157,26[A ]| sea-birds, with silvery plumage and scarlet legs and feet, 110:157,27[A ]| added to$4$ the joyousness of the scene ~~ either skimming along 110:157,28[A ]| high above even our fore topmast, or poised for$4$ an instant 110:157,29[A ]| like$4$ silver stars, until, one after another, dozens of them would 110:157,30[A ]| pounce down upon$4$ the shoals of fish below. 110:157,31[A ]| Point after point, forming a series of apparently land-locked 110:157,32[A ]| lakes, was rounded. Gradually the villas that$6#1$ dotted the 110:157,33[A ]| shore became more numerous. Garden*Island was passed, 110:157,34[A ]| so$3$ was the round tower of Pinchgut*Island. The tall Oyster*Bay 110:157,35[A ]| pines (\Frenela*australis\) in$4$ the Botanical*Gardens 110:157,36[A ]| rose to$4$ our view, towering high above the topmasts ofthe 110:157,37[A ]| large frigate that$6#1$ lay at anchor in$4$ Wooloomooloo*Bay, almost 110:158,01[A ]| under their shadow. Then we steamed past Government*House 110:158,02[A ]| and Circular*Quay, rounded Cockatoo*Island, where 110:158,03[A ]| the convict station is situated, and a few minutes later were 110:158,04[A ]| alongside Pho*enix*Wharf, at the base of Sussex*Street, and 110:158,05[A ]| once more, I must confess also to$4$ my great satisfaction, the 110:158,06[A ]| hum and bustle of city life sounded in$4$ my ears. 110:158,07[A ]| It was about six o'clock in$4$ the evening when I landed. 110:158,08[A ]| I immediately hastened to$9$ report myself at head-quarters, 110:158,09[A ]| where the letters of introduction and commendation from the 110:158,10[A ]| officers of the Victorian force, of which$6#1$ I was the bearer, 110:158,11[A ]| had due weight. I was politely requested to$9$ attend the following 110:158,12[A ]| morning at ten o'clock, in$4$ order to$9$ be sworn in$5$. This 110:158,13[A ]| I accordingly did; the ceremony was duly performed, and I 110:158,14[A ]| retired to$4$ the barracks to$9$ don my new uniform and hold 110:158,15[A ]| myself ready for$4$ orders. 110:158,16[A ]| I was destined not to$9$ have a long stay in$4$ Sydney, for$3$ 110:158,17[A ]| the very morning following my admission into the force I 110:158,18[A ]| was ordered for$4$ out-station duty, and received instructions to$9$ 110:158,19[A ]| start at once, in$4$ company with another trooper younger than 110:158,20[A ]| myself, for$4$ a place called Dunewatha, which$6#1$ lay at some 110:158,21[A ]| distance on$4$ the other side of the Blue*Mountains, and was a 110:158,22[A ]| good three days' journey from the metropolis. 110:158,23[A ]| It was nine a%*m% when we received our orders, and by$4$ 110:158,24[A ]| eleven we were in$4$ the saddle and descending Elizabeth*Street 110:158,25[A ]| at a trot. We turned round Hyde*Park*Corner into Parramatta*Street, 110:158,26[A ]| and in$4$ another quarter of an hour the straggling 110:158,27[A ]| suburbs of the city were left in$4$ our rear. 110:158,28[A ]| It was a most unpleasant day. A regular brickfielder 110:158,29[A ]| was blowing, and even before we had cleared the town our 110:158,30[A ]| white shako covers and snowy buckskin breeches were powdered 110:158,31[A ]| thickly with reddish dust, which$6#1$ the furious north-west 110:158,32[A ]| wind, hot as the breath of a furnace, blew against our 110:158,33[A ]| faces with such force as to$9$ cause intolerable pain; while the 110:158,34[A ]| fine gritty sand would penetrate eyes, ears, and nostrils with 110:158,35[A ]| a persistency anything but agreeable. The thermometer, 110:158,36[A ]| when we left Sydney, marked 115 degrees in$4$ the sun; and 110:158,37[A ]| as that$6#2$ luminary rose higher and higher in$4$ the pale, steel-grey, 110:159,01[A ]| cloudless sky, the intensity of its rays became more 110:159,02[A ]| and more unbearable. I tried to$9$ picture the verdant pastures, 110:159,03[A ]| shady woods, and rippling streams of England, but that$6#2$ 110:159,04[A ]| rendered the sufferings I endured still more unpalatable. 110:159,05[A ]| I was too hot to$9$ talk, and my mate was as glum and discontented 110:159,06[A ]| as myself; and so$3$ we slowly trotted along the 110:159,07[A ]| solitary bush road silently and spectre-like, our poor horses 110:159,08[A ]| black with sweat, their heads drooped, and their tails as limp 110:159,09[A ]| as a shirt-collar without starch. Around us the straw-coloured 110:159,10[A ]| vegetation was unvaried by$4$ the slightest tint of green, and 110:159,11[A ]| the tall white trunks of the gum trees, with their scanty 110:159,12[A ]| vertical foliage, mingled with sombre peppermint and stringy 110:159,13[A ]| bark, formed about as dreary a scene as it is possible to$9$ 110:159,14[A ]| imagine. 110:159,15[A ]| As to$4$ the road we were travelling, they talk of \corduroy\ 110:159,16[A ]| roads in$4$ America, but I should like$1$ to$9$ show a Yankee a mile 110:159,17[A ]| or two of the one we that$6#2$ day travelled over. Imagine a 110:159,18[A ]| stony plain, the surface entirely covered with large swampy 110:159,19[A ]| holes, filled with water, slush, and glutinous mud; then 110:159,20[A ]| throw into these hollows a number of angular blocks of 110:159,21[A ]| stone, half concealed by$4$ the muddy waters, and let mud 110:159,22[A ]| and water turn into dust (twelve hours will$1$ in$4$ New*South*Wales 110:159,23[A ]| effect the metamorphosis), and you will$1$ have a 110:159,24[A ]| faint conception of our road. At length the scrub on$4$ either 110:159,25[A ]| side grew less thickly, and we gladly quitted the rugged 110:159,26[A ]| path for$4$ the open country. We had not ridden on$5$ for$4$ more 110:159,27[A ]| than a couple of miles, however, congratulating ourselves 110:159,28[A ]| that$3$ we had bidden farewell to$4$ dust, if not to$4$ heat, when a 110:159,29[A ]| far greater annoyance than either befell us. This arose from 110:159,30[A ]| the pertinacious attentions of the sand-flies, which$6#1$ are a 110:159,31[A ]| kind of midge ~~ small filmy things, like$4$ the midges at home, 110:159,32[A ]| but much more lively, bloodthirsty, and venomous. They 110:159,33[A ]| were as numerous as the grains of sand in$4$ the sterile Iron*Bark 110:159,34[A ]| ranges. They covered the whole ground for$4$ miles, and 110:159,35[A ]| as we advanced would rise up$5$, get on$4$ our horses' legs and 110:159,36[A ]| chests, puncturing them in$4$ such a manner that$3$ their legs 110:159,37[A ]| were completely covered in$4$ a few minutes with blood. The 110:159,38[A ]| poor animals of course became quite frantic, not being able to$9$ 110:159,39[A ]| brush them off. It was often no$2$ trivial matter to$9$ keep one's 110:160,01[A ]| seat, owing to$4$ their rearing and kicking from the pain. My 110:160,02[A ]| mate told me in$4$ another month the birds would have eaten 110:160,03[A ]| the midges up$5$; it was only in$4$ spring they were so$5#1$ numerous. 110:160,04[A ]| The effect of the bite on$4$ man is much worse than on$4$ 110:160,05[A ]| horses. Wherever they bite, the part swells excessively, and 110:160,06[A ]| becomes a great livid boil as large as a walnut. He had 110:160,07[A ]| been bitten on$4$ the wrist the preceding spring, when riding 110:160,08[A ]| on$4$ the banks of the Murray. The next day his hand was 110:160,09[A ]| swelled enormously; it settled into one of those boils which$6#1$ 110:160,10[A ]| are very sluggish and difficult to$9$ cure. It was not well, in$4$ 110:160,11[A ]| fact, for$4$ a month, and would not heal till treated with caustic. 110:160,12[A ]| Another, only a month ago, had bitten his other hand; the 110:160,13[A ]| venomous puncture had gone exactly through the same 110:160,14[A ]| process. As a proof of his words, he showed me a scar on$4$ 110:160,15[A ]| each hand, which$6#1$ no$2$ doubt would never wear away. 110:160,16[A ]| About mid-day we reached a creek, where we watered and 110:160,17[A ]| bathed our horses, to$4$ their great relief, and on$4$ whose bank 110:160,18[A ]| we encamped to$9$ eat luncheon. It was a lovely spot; on$4$ 110:160,19[A ]| account of the moisture the grass was green, and adorned 110:160,20[A ]| with myriad-tinted flowers, while forty miles in$4$ our front 110:160,21[A ]| rose the purple peaks of the Blue*Mountains. Close to$4$ 110:160,22[A ]| where we sat grew some grass trees, but only dwarf ones, 110:160,23[A ]| splendidly in$4$ flower. The flower is on$4$ a rod of two or three 110:160,24[A ]| feet high, which$6#1$ rises perpendicularly from the centre of the 110:160,25[A ]| tree, and surrounds some half a yard of it in$4$ the manner of 110:160,26[A ]| the flower of the club rush, but white, and the florets 110:160,27[A ]| resemble those of the water tussilago. 110:160,28[A ]| During our meal we were terribly persecuted by$4$ "jumping 110:160,29[A ]| ants." They were about half an inch long, and jumped surprisingly. 110:160,30[A ]| They were great flycatchers, and so$5#1$ far proved 110:160,31[A ]| themselves our benefactors, but we soon found that$3$ it was only 110:160,32[A ]| one pest giving place to$4$ another. These little black flies were, 110:160,33[A ]| even in$4$ this comparatively cool and shady spot, the most 110:160,34[A ]| impertinent, persevering vermin possible. The moment we 110:160,35[A ]| produced our meat from our saddle bags, they covered it. 110:160,36[A ]| They also managed to$9$ settle on$4$ our hands and faces, 110:160,37[A ]| where they raised up$5$ blood blisters, and then sucked at them 110:160,38[A ]| till they burst. The moment the spots were raw, they thrust 110:160,39[A ]| as many of their heads in$5$ as they could, and so$3$ continually 110:161,01[A ]| irritated and enlarged the orifice. What was a mere scratch 110:161,02[A ]| became a sore under their incessant operations; and unless 110:161,03[A ]| such sore was speedily defended by$4$ handkerchiefs or gloves, 110:161,04[A ]| it would soon become a wound. Plaster was not enough, 110:161,05[A ]| for$3$ they would suck and envenom the wound through it. 110:161,06[A ]| Insects are the pest of Australia. The gnats are terrible; 110:161,07[A ]| then there are bull-dog ants, that$6#1$ fight for$4$ hours after they are 110:161,08[A ]| cut in$4$ half, and when they bite will$1$ not relax their hold though 110:161,09[A ]| beheaded. Another persecutor is the fierce mosquito; and 110:161,10[A ]| amongst Australian peculiarities of insect life are the centipede, 110:161,11[A ]| the scorpion, and tarantula spider, the latter being 110:161,12[A ]| called by$4$ the aboriginals \triantawallagong\. The bite of 110:161,13[A ]| either of these three last species of insect is extremely dangerous, 110:161,14[A ]| often proving fatal unless promptly treated by$4$ cutting 110:161,15[A ]| out the flesh around the bite and cauterizing the wound with 110:161,16[A ]| fire. 110:161,17[A ]| After we had discussed our beef and damper, enjoyed a 110:161,18[A ]| delicious drink from the creek, and had half an hour's draw 110:161,19[A ]| at our pipes, we remounted and resumed our journey, making 110:161,20[A ]| another twelve miles before sunset, when we encamped for$4$ 110:161,21[A ]| the night, unsaddled our horses, hobbled them, lit the fire, 110:161,22[A ]| boiled some tea in$4$ our billy, and sat down to$9$ enjoy our 110:161,23[A ]| evening meal. Then we again had recourse to$4$ our pipes, 110:161,24[A ]| and at length rolling ourselves in$4$ our blankets, and with 110:161,25[A ]| the saddles for$4$ pillows, soon sunk into slumber both sound 110:161,26[A ]| and deep. 110:161,27[A ]| The second day's journey was but a repetition of the first. 110:161,28[A ]| There is great monotony in$4$ bush travelling. The heat, the 110:161,29[A ]| thirst, the mosquitoes and other insects were the same; the 110:161,30[A ]| only difference in$4$ the scenery was that$3$ every hour the towering 110:161,31[A ]| mountain range we had to$9$ cross seemed looming larger 110:161,32[A ]| and mightier before us; their summits, glittering in$4$ the sunlight 110:161,33[A ]| three thousand feet and more above the level plains we 110:161,34[A ]| were traversing, presented only a little deeper azure tint than 110:161,35[A ]| did the cloudless firmament above. Well did they deserve 110:161,36[A ]| their name of Blue*Mountains. 110:161,37[A ]| On$4$ the afternoon of the second day after leaving Sydney 110:161,38[A ]| we were at their base; and upon$4$ the earnest assurance of my 110:161,39[A ]| mate that$3$ he had crossed them at this point before, and knew 110:162,01[A ]| every inch of the way, I consented to$9$ attempt the ascent at 110:162,02[A ]| once, fully expecting as it was only three o'clock and the 110:162,03[A ]| evenings getting long, we should encamp by$4$ sunset on$4$ the 110:162,04[A ]| western side. 110:162,05[A ]| We were soon riding along a steep, narrow gully, with 110:162,06[A ]| almost precipitous sides, rising in$4$ lofty ridges that$6#1$ were 110:162,07[A ]| covered with loose rocks and scraggy gum trees, charred and 110:162,08[A ]| disfigured by$4$ frequent bush fires. It was a dreary scene, 110:162,09[A ]| though here and there relieved by$4$ groups of pines and other 110:162,10[A ]| eucalypti, with the jointed horsetail foliage of the shea oak, 110:162,11[A ]| and the gaudy blossoms of the blue wattle, while the towering 110:162,12[A ]| peaks of Mount*Gwallior rose gloomy and cloud-wreathed 110:162,13[A ]| above all. 110:162,14@a | "Are you sure you will$1$ find the pass,Rootes?" 110:162,14[A ]| I asked; 110:162,15@a | "because unless you are, it would be wiser to$9$ ride a matter 110:162,16@a | of twenty miles round and follow the regular waggon 110:162,17@a | track." 110:162,18@b | "Oh, I am all right. I know it, never fear," 110:162,18[A ]| retorted the 110:162,19[A ]| young trooper, with a laugh; 110:162,19@b | "why, it is not two years since 110:162,20@b | I travelled it, man, and on$4$ my road to$4$ this very same Dunewatha 110:162,21@b | too. It saves a round of very nearly nineteen miles 110:162,22@b | by$4$ crossing the mountain here." 110:162,23@a | "And is it a pretty fair road for$4$ horses all the way?" 110:162,23[A ]| I 110:162,24[A ]| asked. 110:162,25@b | "Why, as to$4$ that$6#2$, I should not care to$9$ ride an unbroken 110:162,26@b | colt or a broken-heeled old coach horse over some parts of 110:162,27@b | the track, but with such nags as ours there is no$2$ hazard. In$4$ 110:162,28@b | fact, there is only one dangerous place, and that$6#2$ does not 110:162,29@b | continue for$4$ more than half a mile or so$5#2$." 110:162,30@a | "And what is the nature of the danger, mate? I am 110:162,31@a | unused to$4$ mountain scaling, and like$1$ to$9$ calculate my risks 110:162,32@a | beforehand." 110:162,33@b | "The place is called ""The*Devil's*Ridge."" It is a passage 110:162,34@b | along the side of one eminence which$6#1$ a cataract divides from 110:162,35@b | another. It is seldom broad enough for$4$ two horses to$9$ pass 110:162,36@b | each other, and often not room enough for$4$ one. It is bare 110:162,37@b | of all rail or fence; in$4$ fact, it is impossible to$9$ fix any." 110:162,38@a | "And how deep is the precious precipice which$6#1$ this narrow 110:162,39@a | pathway overlooks?" 110:162,39[A ]| I asked nervously. 110:163,01@b | "Deep? Oh, perhaps a thousand feet; but owing to$4$ the 110:163,02@b | narrowness of the gorge, the bottom is invisible." 110:163,03@a | "And into this gulf the slightest trip of a horse would 110:163,04@a | precipitate its rider ~~ a worn shoe, a loose pebble, a nervous 110:163,05@a | twitch of the rein, would be certain death?" 110:163,06@b | "Decidedly so$5#2$; and I can tell you of a very curious adventure 110:163,07@b | on$4$ this very same Devil's*Ridge." 110:163,08@a | "The devil you can? Well, then, fire away, for$3$ you can 110:163,09@a | scarcely make me more nervous than I feel already." 110:163,10[A ]| Rootes laughed. 110:163,10@b | "It happened in$4$ this way," 110:163,10[A ]| he said. 110:163,11@b | "Two horsemen met in$4$ the narrow pass. Such a thing 110:163,12@b | doubtless never occurred before, and perhaps never may 110:163,13@b | again, the road is so$5#1$ rarely traversed; but this once it did so$5#2$ 110:163,14@b | happen. Neither of the parties had space to$9$ back his steed, 110:163,15@b | and so$3$ make room for$4$ the other to$9$ go by$5$. They tossed up$5$ 110:163,16@b | which$6#1$ should sacrifice his horse. It fell to$4$ the lot of the 110:163,17@b | man ascending the ridge. He dismounted, pushed his horse 110:163,18@b | over the precipice into the gulf below, and then, snake-like, 110:163,19@b | crept between the legs of the descending horse and continued 110:163,20@b | his journey on$4$ foot." 110:163,21[A ]| By$4$ the time my mate had concluded his story, which$6#1$ I 110:163,22[A ]| have narrated in$4$ as few words as possible, we had ascended 110:163,23[A ]| some three hundred feet of the mountain's height, and beheld 110:163,24[A ]| a prospect of sea and land to$4$ the extent of a hundred and 110:163,25[A ]| twenty miles. Almost beneath was a roaring cataract; 110:163,26[A ]| to$9$ look down upon$4$ and listen to$4$ its hoarse brawl was enough 110:163,27[A ]| to$9$ appal more daring natures than my own. Still up$5$ and 110:163,28[A ]| up$5$ we went, the pathway having a zigzag tendency that$6#1$ 110:163,29[A ]| made the ascent anything but laborious. As we attained a 110:163,30[A ]| higher and yet a higher altitude, the change from heat to$4$ 110:163,31[A ]| cold became very apparent, and by$4$ the time we had left the 110:163,32[A ]| level plains some nine hundred feet below us, it was easy to$9$ 110:163,33[A ]| imagine one's self transported from a tropical summer to$4$ a 110:163,34[A ]| bracing northern winter. 110:163,35[A ]| Australian mountains differ very much in$4$ appearance from 110:163,36[A ]| those of Europe, and this difference mainly consists in$4$ their 110:163,37[A ]| being wooded to$4$ such an altitude. In$4$ the Northern*Hemisphere 110:163,38[A ]| it is rare to$9$ find a mountain bearing trees for$4$ more 110:163,39[A ]| than a few hundred feet of its height, whereas the hardy and 110:164,01[A ]| sombre eucalypti of Australia and Tasmania frequently 110:164,02[A ]| flourish to$4$ the very apex of mountains three thousand feet in$4$ 110:164,03[A ]| altitude. This, in$4$ my opinion, although it \sometimes\ gives a 110:164,04[A ]| peculiar beauty of its own, in$4$ most cases detracts from the 110:164,05[A ]| majesty and awe inspiring grandeur that$6#1$ would otherwise 110:164,06[A ]| distinguish the mountain ranges of Australia, while to$4$ the 110:164,07[A ]| eye it decreases the effect of their height by$4$ at least one-third. 110:164,08[A ]| 110:164,09[A ]| Rootes and I spoke little during the ascent; he looked 110:164,10[A ]| meditative and I felt nervous, for$4$ an indescribable feeling 110:164,11[A ]| had taken possession of me, to$4$ the effect that$3$ something 110:164,12[A ]| terrible would happen to$4$ one or both of us before we 110:164,13[A ]| descended to$4$ the level plain again. The very elements 110:164,14[A ]| seemed impressed with my ill-omened forebodings, for$3$ the 110:164,15[A ]| sky which$6#1$ had been so$5#1$ blue and sunny when we commenced 110:164,16[A ]| the ascent, was now flecked with heavy reefy clouds that$6#1$ 110:164,17[A ]| appeared to$9$ be hurrying to$4$ a common centre; great drops of 110:164,18[A ]| rain began to$9$ fall, and presently the dull rumble of a distant 110:164,19[A ]| thunder-peal fell upon$4$ our ears. 110:164,20@b | "I fear we are in$4$ for$4$ a ducking, mate," 110:164,20[A ]| said Rootes, turning 110:164,21[A ]| in$4$ his saddle; 110:164,21@b | "the rain comes down here in$4$ buckets full 110:164,22@b | when it once begins. Thank God our upward course is at an 110:164,23@b | end, for$3$ we are at last opposite the pass. We now skirt the 110:164,24@b | mountain, passing between it and its less lofty neighbour on$4$ 110:164,25@b | our right. In$4$ five minutes we shall be descending the 110:164,26@b | Devil's*Ridge." 110:164,27@a | "And suppose our horses are startled at a thunder-clap, or 110:164,28@a | shy at a lightning flash in$4$ such a spot?" 110:164,28[A ]| I asked. 110:164,29@b | "Why, then it will$1$ be a long good*night to$4$ Marmion," 110:164,29[A ]| he 110:164,30[A ]| answered, laughing; 110:164,30@b | "but do not be afraid, friend, I think 110:164,31@b | the storm will$1$ hold off for$4$ another half-hour, and if not, our 110:164,32@b | horses are old stagers, and will$1$ not be frightened in$4$ a hurry." 110:164,33[A ]| As he spoke the sky momentarily brightened, and somewhat 110:164,34[A ]| reassured, I replied, 110:164,34@a | "Well, go ahead, old fellow. You 110:164,35@a | appear to$9$ know the way, and where you lead you will$1$ not find 110:164,36@a | me far behind." 110:164,37[A ]| We had now done with ascents, and had to$9$ round the 110:164,38[A ]| mountain at about half the distance to$4$ its summit, in$4$ order 110:164,39[A ]| to$9$ descend on$4$ the opposite side. Our peril was now about to$9$ 110:165,01[A ]| commence. Rootes was right, in$4$ five minutes we \were\ on$4$ the 110:165,02[A ]| Devil's*Ridge, amidst all the horrors of perhaps the most 110:165,03[A ]| dangerous and terrible mountain pass in$4$ the world. 110:165,04[A ]| We rode, of necessity, Indian file, Rootes at forty paces in$4$ 110:165,05[A ]| advance. The pathway was a yard wide, certainly never more, 110:165,06[A ]| and often somewhat less. On$4$ our left rose the precipitous 110:165,07[A ]| mountain side, a sheer cliff, to$4$ a height of at least a thousand 110:165,08[A ]| feet. On$4$ our right yawned a dire chasm, apparently bottomless, 110:165,09[A ]| to$4$ a depth, as I afterwards learned, of nine hundred and 110:165,10[A ]| fifty feet; while from the bottom rose the roar of water, as 110:165,11[A ]| though seething and boiling from a subterranean Niagara. I 110:165,12[A ]| do not hesitate to$9$ affirm that$3$ at any part of the pass, had I 110:165,13[A ]| raised my arms in$4$ the shape of the letter T, the middle finger 110:165,14[A ]| of my left hand would have touched the black cliff; and a 110:165,15[A ]| pebble dropped perpendicularly from between the forefinger 110:165,16[A ]| and thumb of my right, would have fallen into the whirling 110:165,17[A ]| torrent below. 110:165,18[A ]| Luckily the path was good, being of rough rock, without a 110:165,19[A ]| loose stone to$9$ be seen. 110:165,20[A ]| Terrible and dangerous as the pass was, it seemed to$9$ instil 110:165,21[A ]| no$2$ alarm into the breast of my companion, who$6#1$ in$4$ the most 110:165,22[A ]| narrow parts would turn in$4$ his saddle to$9$ see how I was 110:165,23[A ]| getting on$5$. His jet-black steed stepped out as gaily and as 110:165,24[A ]| steadily as though on$4$ a broad coach road. Suddenly, however, 110:165,25[A ]| just when he was traversing one of the narrowest ledges 110:165,26[A ]| of the rock, a burst of thunder crashed through the narrow 110:165,27[A ]| defile, and a flame of forked lightning shot and danced 110:165,28[A ]| before his horse's eyes. The animal reared, beat the air for$4$ a 110:165,29[A ]| moment with his fore-hoofs, and then plunged headlong into 110:165,30[A ]| space, precipitating himself and rider into the abyss below. 110:165,31[A ]| In$4$ an instant ~~ in$4$ the twinkling of an eye ~~ horse and 110:165,32[A ]| horseman had vanished for*ever from my sight; and with my 110:165,33[A ]| steed reined in$5$ until his haunches pressed the dark mountain 110:165,34[A ]| side, whilst his fore-feet were planted in$4$ the rocky path within 110:165,35[A ]| a couple of inches of the precipice, I gazed in$4$ agony at the 110:165,36[A ]| fathomless grave that$6#1$ had so$5#1$ remorselessly swallowed up$5$ my 110:165,37[A ]| unfortunate companion. 110:165,38[A ]| How can I describe my feelings when I beheld this awful 110:165,39[A ]| spectacle, this hapless fate of one who$6#1$, a moment before, in$4$ 110:166,01[A ]| all the pride and strength of manhood, was riding so$5#1$ gaily 110:166,02[A ]| along only a few yards before me? The blood that$6#1$, but a 110:166,03[A ]| minute before, had been coursing healthfully through my 110:166,04[A ]| veins, seemed to$9$ freeze and suspend its functions, while my 110:166,05[A ]| brain appeared to$9$ reel about with lightness. It was a mercy 110:166,06[A ]| that$3$ I did not lose my seat in$4$ the saddle and fall headlong 110:166,07[A ]| after poor Jim*Rootes. For$4$ at least an hour I must have 110:166,08[A ]| remained stationary at this spot, gazing with horror-stricken 110:166,09[A ]| yet amost imbecile stare down that$6#2$ dark abyss, until my 110:166,10[A ]| heart and head seemed on$4$ fire, and I was almost a maniac; 110:166,11[A ]| but, thank God, my reason at length returned, and I awoke 110:166,12[A ]| to$4$ all the dangers of my own position. 110:166,13[A ]| I found the rain pouring down in$4$ torrents; the lightning 110:166,14[A ]| was one continuous blaze of light; while the heavy thunder-peals, 110:166,15[A ]| re-echoing again and again amid the mountain peaks 110:166,16[A ]| and stormy ravines, sounded like$4$ the roar of heavy artillery. 110:166,17[A ]| My horse was black with sweat and quivering with fear, as 110:166,18[A ]| with dilated nostrils and glaring eyes he, too, gazed into the 110:166,19[A ]| depths below him, as though terror was prompting him to$9$ 110:166,20[A ]| essay the leap. 110:166,21[A ]| I saw that$3$ his fore-legs, from being kept so$5#1$ long in$4$ one 110:166,22[A ]| position, were trembling, and the muscles strained. His 110:166,23[A ]| sure-footedness was no$2$ longer to$9$ be depended upon$5$ so$3$, after 110:166,24[A ]| a moment's consideration, I reined him round with his head 110:166,25[A ]| down the pass, and freeing my feet from the stirrups, let the 110:166,26[A ]| bridle fall loosely on$4$ his neck, and then slipped to$4$ the 110:166,27[A ]| ground over his tail. 110:166,28[A ]| Even at this moment I tremble to$9$ think of what a terrible 110:166,29[A ]| fate a kick or even the slightest movement on$4$ his part would 110:166,30[A ]| have consigned me whilst I executed this mano*euvre; as it 110:166,31[A ]| happened, it was accomplished in$4$ safety, and I prepared to$9$ 110:166,32[A ]| descend the ridge on$4$ foot, driving my charger before me. It 110:166,33[A ]| was very slow progress. Sometimes the poor animal was so$5#1$ 110:166,34[A ]| frightened that$3$ neither threats nor coaxings had any effect 110:166,35[A ]| upon$4$ him, and he would stand trembling and whining most 110:166,36[A ]| piteously for$4$ some minutes without moving a step. The 110:166,37[A ]| rain, too, had made the rocky path slippery, and every dozen 110:166,38[A ]| paces or so$5#2$ he would slip out and nearly topple over the 110:166,39[A ]| precipice. Nevertheless, after another half-hour's torture, 110:167,01[A ]| such as I never experienced before, and trust I never shall 110:167,02[A ]| again, I could see the end of the Devil's*Ridge about a 110:167,03[A ]| quarter of a mile before us, and the sloping mountain side 110:167,04[A ]| beyond. 110:167,05[A ]| Hope now reanimated my bosom, and I do believe the 110:167,06[A ]| poor horse felt it too, for$3$ he never loitered in$4$ his advance 110:167,07[A ]| until we were within a few yards from the end of the Ridge. 110:167,08[A ]| Then he stopped short, and no$2$ effort of mine would induce 110:167,09[A ]| him to$9$ move foward. Not knowing the cause of this seeming 110:167,10[A ]| obstinacy, I looked over his back at the road in$4$ front, 110:167,11[A ]| and, to$4$ my horror and despair, perceived that$3$ a flash of 110:167,12[A ]| lightning had cleft the solid rock, and caused some couple of 110:167,13[A ]| yards in$4$ length of the pathway to$9$ slip into the gulf. 110:167,14[A ]| To$9$ scale the mountain side was next to$4$ impossible. My 110:167,15[A ]| horse could not do it; and to$9$ manage a clear six-foot leap 110:167,16[A ]| without a run and in$4$ my present nervous state, was a matter 110:167,17[A ]| of no$2$ great certainty. I must, however, do this, or retrace 110:167,18[A ]| my way along the Devil's*Ridge over the path already traversed. 110:167,19[A ]| This I could by$4$ no$2$ means make up$5$ my mind to$9$ do. 110:167,20[A ]| Anything seemed preferable to$4$ re-crossing that$6#2$ terrible pass. 110:167,21[A ]| I made up$5$ my mind to$9$ sacrifice my horse, and then essay 110:167,22[A ]| the \leap for$4$ life!\ 110:167,23[A ]| I could scarcely summon the heart to$9$ consign my noble 110:167,24[A ]| charger to$4$ so$5#1$ terrible a doom, but his death was a necessity, 110:167,25[A ]| and I steeled my heart for$4$ the sacrifice. I pushed him over, 110:167,26[A ]| and with one wild shriek (for$3$ horses can shriek when in$4$ extreme 110:167,27[A ]| terror, and the sound, though indescribable, if once 110:167,28[A ]| heard can never be forgotten) he disappeared from sight, 110:167,29[A ]| though his heavy rebound from rock to$4$ rock in$4$ his descent, 110:167,30[A ]| and ultimate dull splash into deep water at the bottom, rose 110:167,31[A ]| plainly to$4$ my ear. 110:167,32[A ]| I now divested myself of my sword, belt, and coat, and 110:167,33[A ]| threw them across the chasm; then I braced myself for$4$ the 110:167,34[A ]| leap, keeping my eye steadily fixed upon$4$ the firm ground on$4$ 110:167,35[A ]| the other side, and refraining from glancing below, lest I 110:167,36[A ]| should turn giddy. At length I sprang ~~ gained the opposite 110:167,37[A ]| bank, but my foot slipped ~~ I lost my balance and fell backwards, 110:167,38[A ]| luckily clutching the spreading branches of a shrub 110:167,39[A ]| in$4$ my descent, and thus saving myself from instant death. 110:168,01[A ]| Was I saved or was it a few minutes' respite only? 110:168,02[A ]| The shrub to$4$ which$6#1$ I clung grew from out a cleft in$4$ the 110:168,03[A ]| rock. It was about a yard below the surface. Beneath me 110:168,04[A ]| yawned the terrible chasm that$6#1$ divided the two mountains. 110:168,05[A ]| Did the branch give way or my strength fail I knew that$3$ I 110:168,06[A ]| should drop like$4$ a plummet into the torrent that$6#1$ roared 110:168,07[A ]| beneath me. Then arose the thought, 110:168,07@a | "Could I scale the 110:168,08@a | cliff, and so$3$ reach the pathway above?" 110:168,08[A ]| Alas! one glance 110:168,09[A ]| at the dark slippery rock, without a single excrescence to$9$ 110:168,10[A ]| aid foot or hand, forbade the thought. Death seemed inevitable. 110:168,11[A ]| 110:168,12[A ]| Suddenly I perceived a shelving cliff upon$4$ which$6#1$ it might 110:168,13[A ]| be possible to$9$ obtain a foothold. The question was, how to$9$ 110:168,14[A ]| reach it; it was a desperate resource even for$4$ one so$5#1$ fearfully 110:168,15[A ]| situated as myself. I glanced at the base of the shrub that$6#1$ 110:168,16[A ]| bore me; it appeared to$9$ be firmly rooted, and not likely to$9$ 110:168,17[A ]| give way. The branch which$6#1$ I grasped was long, sinewy, 110:168,18[A ]| and tough. The idea struck me that$3$ I might, by$4$ swaying 110:168,19[A ]| my body to$8$ and fro, give it and the branch the momentum 110:168,20[A ]| of a pendulum, increasing it gradually so$3$ as at last to$9$ be able 110:168,21[A ]| to$9$ swing myself on$5$ to$4$ the shelving cliff. 110:168,22[A ]| This notion had scarcely occurred to$4$ my mind when a new 110:168,23[A ]| horror appalled me. Close to$4$ the roots of the shrub two small 110:168,24[A ]| glittering eyes met mine, their metallic lustre seemed to$9$ 110:168,25[A ]| fascinate me. Then I saw a forked tongue, and a flat, wedge-shaped 110:168,26[A ]| head, which$6#1$ presently began to$9$ undulate from side to$4$ 110:168,27[A ]| side as it approached me. The next instant I was aware of 110:168,28[A ]| the dreadful fact that$3$ it was a diamond snake, one of the 110:168,29[A ]| most venomous of its species; it had marked me as its 110:168,30[A ]| victim. 110:168,31[A ]| My failing strength would not allow me to$9$ raise a hand 110:168,32[A ]| to$9$ guard my face; the reptile was about to$9$ spring. At that$6#2$ 110:168,33[A ]| moment a voice seemed to$9$ whisper in$4$ my ear, 110:168,33@x | "The shelving 110:168,34@x | rock ~~ leap, and you are saved." 110:168,34[A ]| As the voice prompted so$3$ 110:168,35[A ]| I acted: by$4$ a vigorous jerk I gave the branch a sudden 110:168,36[A ]| impetus; two swings, and I sprang boldly from it, alighting 110:168,37[A ]| on$4$ the jutting crag in$4$ safety. 110:168,38[A ]| I now clambered up$4$ the rough side of the shelving rock, 110:168,39[A ]| an angle of which$6#1$ presently hid the Devil's*Ridge and its 110:169,01[A ]| dread ravine from view. Then my steps tottered, my eyes 110:169,02[A ]| grew dim, myriads of fiery stars seemed to$9$ sparkle around 110:169,03[A ]| me, and I fell to$4$ the ground in$4$ a swoon. 110:169,04[A ]| I must have lain thus for$4$ hours ~~ yes, the whole night. 110:169,05[A ]| When I recovered consciousness the sun was just rising over 110:169,06[A ]| the mountain tops. It was a glorious morning. A thousand 110:169,07[A ]| feet beneath spread a vast level country, with white stations 110:169,08[A ]| dotted here and there, few and far between. I felt very 110:169,09[A ]| weak, but was able to$9$ crawl down the mountain side, and 110:169,10[A ]| about an hour later reached its base. Here, happily ~~ for$3$ I 110:169,11[A ]| was almost dying of thirst and hunger ~~ I came across a 110:169,12[A ]| shepherd's hut. I stayed there the day and night. The 110:169,13[A ]| next morning at dawn I set out for$4$ Dunewatha, and reached 110:169,14[A ]| the out-station of mounted police, to$4$ which$6#1$ I was bound, 110:169,15[A ]| about an hour before sundown. 111:170,00@@@@@| 111:170,00[' ]| 111:170,00[' ]| 111:170,01[A ]| One day during the five weary months that$6#1$ I was quartered 111:170,02[A ]| at Dunewatha, as I was sitting upon$4$ a rude bench in$4$ front of 111:170,03[A ]| our wooden station, having a draw at my pipe while surveying 111:170,04[A ]| discontentedly the dust-dimmed, sun-scorched landscape 111:170,05[A ]| around, and feeling disgusted with myself, the service, and 111:170,06[A ]| everything else sublunary, my attention was attracted by$4$ the 111:170,07[A ]| sudden appearance of a little black boy, half naked, riding a 111:170,08[A ]| great brown stock horse at full gallop towards the station. 111:170,09[A ]| In$4$ a few minutes more he was alongside of me, and with no$2$ 111:170,10[A ]| little difficulty induced his animal to$9$ stop. 111:170,11@a | "Hallo, Snowball! what do you want?" 111:170,11[A ]| I said. 111:170,12[A ]| I can not very well imitate the broken English of the Australian 111:170,13[A ]| natives, much as I have been amongst them, so$3$ I will$1$ not 111:170,14[A ]| attempt it here. Suffice to$9$ say, that$3$ with many interjections 111:170,15[A ]| and gesticulations he informed me that$3$ Mrs%*Captain*Leslie, 111:170,16[A ]| of the Garryong*Station, had told him to$9$ ride as hard as he 111:170,17[A ]| could to$4$ our outpost, and bring back with him a trooper or 111:170,18[A ]| constable as quickly as possible. More than this he did not 111:170,19[A ]| know, so$3$ the nature of the service required could not even be 111:170,20[A ]| guessed at. 111:170,21[A ]| The proverb says that$3$ 111:170,21@z | "where ignorance is bliss it is folly 111:170,22@z | to$9$ be wise," 111:170,22[A ]| so$3$ consoling myself that$3$ it might be so$5#2$ in$4$ the 111:170,23[A ]| present instance, I told one or two of my mates where I was 111:170,24[A ]| going, and then saddling my bay charger and furbishing myself 111:170,25[A ]| up$5$ to$4$ the nines, on$4$ account of there being a lady in$4$ the 111:170,26[A ]| case, I informed the black imp on$4$ the stock horse that$3$ I was 111:171,01[A ]| at his service, and away we trotted on$4$ our twenty-five miles' 111:171,02[A ]| ride through the bush. 111:171,03[A ]| Arrived at our destination, I was at once ushered into the 111:171,04[A ]| presence of the lady of the house, whom I found to$9$ be a 111:171,05[A ]| buxom, good-looking woman, of about forty years of age, 111:171,06[A ]| wearing a stout cotton gown, and with her sleeves tucked up$5$ 111:171,07[A ]| to$4$ her elbows, and her white fat arms dusted with flour, 111:171,08[A ]| whilst strips of dough adhered to$4$ her fingers. This 9deshabille 111:171,09[A ]| was accounted for$5$ by$4$ a half-manufactured pumpkin pie which$6#1$ 111:171,10[A ]| stood on$4$ the deal table. 111:171,11@a | "I believe I address Mrs%*Leslie?" 111:171,11[A ]| I said, with a bow, on$4$ 111:171,12[A ]| entering the room. 111:171,13@b | "Yes, I am Mrs%*Leslie; sit down, sir," 111:171,13[A ]| she rejoined, pointing 111:171,14[A ]| to$4$ a seat. 111:171,15[A ]| I then asked her the nature of the service required of me, 111:171,16[A ]| and she told me the following tale: ~~ 111:171,17[A ]| For$4$ the past three months the station had been much 111:171,18[A ]| frequented with the blacks. At first only one or two had 111:171,19[A ]| made their appearance, but the regularity with which$6#1$ damper 111:171,20[A ]| and scraps of meat had been given to$4$ them had no$2$ doubt 111:171,21[A ]| caused others to$9$ repair to$4$ so$5#1$ desirable a locality. The first 111:171,22[A ]| recipients of Mrs%*Leslie's bounty had been a tall lanky aboriginal 111:171,23[A ]| and his lubra (wife), with a couple of piccaninnies; but 111:171,24[A ]| by*and*by, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, fathers, mothers, 111:171,25[A ]| cousins, and still more remote relatives, had swelled the list 111:171,26[A ]| of recipients to$4$ such an extent, that$3$ often ten or twelve men, 111:171,27[A ]| women, and children would at the same time be clamouring 111:171,28[A ]| at the doors and windows of the house station for$4$ damper, 111:171,29[A ]| mutton, baccy, and rum. This, of course, became an intolerable 111:171,30[A ]| nuisance, and at length supplies were stopped altogether; 111:171,31[A ]| and day after day the mortified blacks had to$9$ go away empty-handed. 111:171,32[A ]| Seeing that$3$ no*one helped them, these rascals 111:171,33[A ]| thought that$3$ they would help themselves. Sheep and lambs 111:171,34[A ]| began to$9$ be missed pretty frequently, one or two dogs were 111:171,35[A ]| speared; everything left out of doors at night was sure to$9$ be 111:171,36[A ]| stolen before morning, and, in$4$ short, Mrs%*Leslie's sable friends 111:171,37[A ]| soon became terrible bores. At length matters reached a 111:171,38[A ]| crisis. A new overseer had been appointed on$4$ the station, a 111:171,39[A ]| man not over-scrupulous as to$4$ trifles. He had come from the 111:172,01[A ]| Southern*States of America, and had there learnt to$9$ regard 111:172,02[A ]| a black man in$4$ the light of a chattel. One day he had hung 111:172,03[A ]| some shirts outside his hut to$9$ dry, and, as at nightfall they 111:172,04[A ]| were still damp, he did not take them in$5$, thinking, that$3$ as 111:172,05[A ]| his dog was loose, the blacks would be afraid to$9$ come near. 111:172,06[A ]| He was mistaken. An aboriginal \did\ come, speared his dog, 111:172,07[A ]| and stole his shirts. The dying howl of the dog awoke its 111:172,08[A ]| master, who$6#1$ sprang to$4$ the window and saw the thief making 111:172,09[A ]| off with his shirts. He seized his revolver, rushed after him, 111:172,10[A ]| and shot him dead, leaving him to$9$ lie where he fell. The next 111:172,11[A ]| day his body was discovered by$4$ his countrymen, whose worst, 111:172,12[A ]| passions were now aroused. To$4$ them stealing was no$2$ crime; 111:172,13[A ]| perhaps, in$4$ their uncivilized code of morals, a positive virtue. 111:172,14[A ]| The widow of the unfortunate black fellow went to$4$ the home 111:172,15[A ]| station, and poured her complaints into the ear of Mrs%*Leslie, 111:172,16[A ]| whose husband was at the time in$4$ Sydney on$4$ business connected 111:172,17[A ]| with the wool sales, and not expected home for$4$ three 111:172,18[A ]| or four days. She asked for$4$ justice; for$4$ the \death\ of the overseer. 111:172,19[A ]| Mrs%*Leslie's promise that$3$ he should be discharged and 111:172,20[A ]| sent away did not satisfy her; it was his blood, his life, that$6#1$ 111:172,21[A ]| she required. This she begged and entreated, but of course 111:172,22[A ]| Mrs%*Leslie would not grant her request. Then the lubra, 111:172,23[A ]| seeing that$3$ she had only a nervous woman to$9$ deal with, began 111:172,24[A ]| to$9$ threaten. She knew that$3$ Mr%*Leslie would not return 111:172,25[A ]| for$4$ some days, that$3$ there were only three or four men around 111:172,26[A ]| the station, so$3$ she swore that$3$ Captain*Leslie should never set 111:172,27[A ]| eyes on$4$ his home more, that$3$ he should be waylaid and murdered 111:172,28[A ]| on$4$ his return from Sydney; that$3$ Garryong should be 111:172,29[A ]| burnt to$4$ the ground; and lastly, what was a more terrible 111:172,30[A ]| threat than all to$4$ the fond mother, that$3$ her only child, a 111:172,31[A ]| sweet little girl of about five years of age, should be stolen 111:172,32[A ]| from her and brought up$5$ as a savage. Mrs%*Leslie was too 111:172,33[A ]| much alarmed by$4$ these threats to$9$ take any steps to$9$ prevent 111:172,34[A ]| the woman's leaving the house, but an hour after her departure 111:172,35[A ]| had despatched a messenger to$4$ the police out-station, the 111:172,36[A ]| result of which$6#1$, as the reader is aware, was my present visit. 111:172,37[A ]| At the conclusion of her narrative Mrs%*Leslie asked my 111:172,38[A ]| opinion on$4$ the matter. 111:172,39[A ]| I confess I was rather puzzled to$9$ answer her; I was not 111:173,01[A ]| much acquainted with the characteristics and habits of the 111:173,02[A ]| aboriginal population, though I knew them to$9$ be cruel and 111:173,03[A ]| revengeful, but at the same time rank cowards. I therefore 111:173,04[A ]| advised Mrs%*Leslie to$9$ keep the child as much as possible in$4$ 111:173,05[A ]| the house for$4$ the next few days; and recommended that$3$ to$9$ 111:173,06[A ]| guard against any act of incendiarism on$4$ the part of the blacks, 111:173,07[A ]| two of the station hands should be on$4$ the alert all night, and 111:173,08[A ]| keep walking around the homestead. I promised to$9$ use 111:173,09[A ]| every endeavour to$9$ capture the lubra, and get her punished 111:173,10[A ]| for$4$ her threats. All the consolation, however, that$6#1$ I could 111:173,11[A ]| offer did not seem to$9$ pacify Mrs%*Leslie; she was in$4$ a terribly 111:173,12[A ]| nervous state, and begged me to$9$ stay at the station for$4$ a day 111:173,13[A ]| or two as a guard. At last I promised to$9$ do so$5#2$, and writing 111:173,14[A ]| a letter to$4$ my mates at the outpost, stating the reason of my 111:173,15[A ]| non-return, and desiring them to$9$ look out for$4$ the black 111:173,16[A ]| woman, and if they could find her to$9$ lose no$2$ time in$4$ locking 111:173,17[A ]| her up$5$, I prepared to$9$ make myself at home amid the comforts 111:173,18[A ]| that$6#1$ now surrounded me. 111:173,19[A ]| That$6#2$ night the mother and her little girl slept in$4$ a room 111:173,20[A ]| next the one allotted to$4$ me. Both rooms were on$4$ the ground-floor; 111:173,21[A ]| the station being, like$4$ most of its class, only one story 111:173,22[A ]| high. The windows, which$6#1$ were French ones, were nearly 111:173,23[A ]| level with the ground outside, and overlooked the large, 111:173,24[A ]| smoothly mown lawn, which$6#1$ sloped down to$4$ a small creek 111:173,25[A ]| whose waters sparkled at its base. Mrs%*Leslie, according to$4$ 111:173,26[A ]| my advice, carefully bolted her windows on$4$ the inside, while 111:173,27[A ]| I left mine wide open, and went to$4$ sleep with my loaded 111:173,28[A ]| revolver under my pillow. 111:173,29[A ]| We must both have slept very soundly, for$3$ it was broad 111:173,30[A ]| daylight on$4$ the following morning when I was awoke by$4$ a 111:173,31[A ]| wild cry of despair from the adjoining room. I immediately 111:173,32[A ]| sprang out of bed, dressed, and then knocked at Mrs%*Leslie's 111:173,33[A ]| door. She opened it at once. I noticed that$3$ she was clad 111:173,34[A ]| in$4$ a richly embroidered silk dressing-gown. Her face was 111:173,35[A ]| pale as death. 111:173,36@b | "Mr%*Brooke, my little girl is gone!" 111:173,36[A ]| she exclaimed, and 111:173,37[A ]| then fainted. 111:173,38[A ]| I summoned her maid, and then examined the fastenings 111:173,39[A ]| of the window. I saw that$3$ the thief had entered the apartment 111:174,01[A ]| by$4$ skilfully taking out two panes of glass, one at the 111:174,02[A ]| top, the other at the bottom of the window, and then inserting 111:174,03[A ]| a hand through the aperture and withdrawing the bolts. 111:174,04[A ]| On$4$ the lawn and on$4$ the paths I noticed the impress of a 111:174,05[A ]| foot, which$6#1$ from its smallness I knew to$9$ be a woman's. 111:174,06[A ]| Thus I became aware that$3$ the lubra had fulfilled one of her 111:174,07[A ]| three threats. 111:174,08[A ]| I did not allow myself any time to$9$ partake of breakfast 111:174,09[A ]| that$6#2$ morning. I hastily swallowed a cup of coffee and then 111:174,10[A ]| mounted my horse. The lubra's footprints led down to$4$ the 111:174,11[A ]| creek. Here of course the trail failed; and upon$4$ crossing 111:174,12[A ]| over, I could not recover it on$4$ the opposite bank. I scoured 111:174,13[A ]| the country all day, but not a black was to$9$ be seen anywhere, 111:174,14[A ]| and at nightfall, with a lame horse and a sorrowful heart, I 111:174,15[A ]| returned to$4$ Garryong, where I found Mrs%*Leslie in$4$ a wild 111:174,16[A ]| delirium, occasioned by$4$ the loss of her child and her increasing 111:174,17[A ]| fears for$4$ her husband's safety. 111:174,18[A ]| Painful incidents were not, however, to$9$ come singly. 111:174,19[A ]| While I was sitting down to$4$ a beefsteak and a cup of tea, 111:174,20[A ]| a servant rushed in$5$ with the intelligence that$3$ the bush 111:174,21[A ]| was on$4$ fire, and that$3$ a stiff breeze from the west was blowing 111:174,22[A ]| the conflagration towards the home station. 111:174,23[A ]| I at once rushed out into the verandah, and there a grand 111:174,24[A ]| spectacle met my gaze. 111:174,25[A ]| It was night. About a mile from the station rose a hill 111:174,26[A ]| called Cat's*Back, doubtless because its shape was like$4$ that$6#2$ 111:174,27[A ]| of a cat's back when erected in$4$ a passion. This hill was 111:174,28[A ]| some hundred and fifty feet in$4$ height, and covered with trees. 111:174,29[A ]| It now presented an imposing sight. An Australian Vesuvius 111:174,30[A ]| or Etna it fairly seemed, rising with fiery grandeur amid the 111:174,31[A ]| darkness of the surrounding forest, which$6#1$ looked more sombre 111:174,32[A ]| than usual on$4$ account of the ruddy blaze that$6#1$ enveloped tree 111:174,33[A ]| and shrub from near the base to$4$ the very summit of the 111:174,34[A ]| mount. The fire spread with such rapidity as soon to$9$ cover 111:174,35[A ]| the whole face of the hill as seen from the station with one 111:174,36[A ]| sheet of flame, so$3$ that$3$ it looked like$4$ a vast orb of solid fire, 111:174,37[A ]| rising over a world of darkness. 111:174,38[A ]| Presently the scene changed: the scattering flames of fire, 111:174,39[A ]| swept by$4$ the wind away into the thick undergrowth, served 111:175,01[A ]| to$9$ kindle new mischief, and to$9$ enlarge the scope of devastation. 111:175,02[A ]| The sight now was one of the grandest description. 111:175,03[A ]| I could hear the roar of the flames as they careened through 111:175,04[A ]| the compact wood, and every now and then the ear was 111:175,05[A ]| stunned by$4$ the falling of burning timber in$4$ every direction. 111:175,06[A ]| Occasionally, as one of the old giants of the forest succumbed 111:175,07[A ]| to$4$ the fury of the fire and fell crashing amongst the crackling 111:175,08[A ]| underwood, the flames would leap up$5$ a hundred feet into 111:175,09[A ]| the air, and throw up$5$ a myriad fiery stars to$4$ twice that$6#2$ 111:175,10[A ]| altitude. 111:175,11[A ]| The fire moved on$5$ at the rate of at least a mile and a half 111:175,12[A ]| an hour towards the devoted station, which$6#1$ was now in$4$ terrible 111:175,13[A ]| danger, as the long yellow grass, dry as tinder, grew up$5$ 111:175,14[A ]| to$4$ the very out-buildings, which$6#1$, with the roof of the homestead 111:175,15[A ]| itself, were of wood. 111:175,16[A ]| Had there been no$2$ wind, or had it blown in$4$ any other 111:175,17[A ]| direction than towards the station, danger might have been 111:175,18[A ]| averted by$4$ ourselves setting fire to$4$ the grass for$4$ a radius of a 111:175,19[A ]| quarter of a mile around, thus preventing the onward rush 111:175,20[A ]| of the bush fire by$4$ depriving it of further material on$4$ which$6#1$ 111:175,21[A ]| to$9$ feed. As matters stood, however, this ruse could be of no$2$ 111:175,22[A ]| service, and so$3$, as a last resource, the station hands began to$9$ 111:175,23[A ]| pack waggons with the furniture and other valuables preparatory 111:175,24[A ]| to$4$ retreating before the destroyer. 111:175,25[A ]| The fire had now spread into a vast conflagration, occupying 111:175,26[A ]| at least two miles in$4$ breadth, and exhibiting a moving 111:175,27[A ]| mass of flame surmounted by$4$ dense clouds of smoke, awful 111:175,28[A ]| in$4$ grandeur and extent. Already sparks began to$9$ fall around 111:175,29[A ]| us; the air was so$5#1$ hot that$3$ it blistered our hands and faces, 111:175,30[A ]| while we were half suffocated with the smoke which$6#1$ curled 111:175,31[A ]| over our heads in$4$ sulphureous wreaths. 111:175,32[A ]| The horses were at last in$4$ the wagons, having been blindfolded 111:175,33[A ]| before being brought out of their stalls, so$3$ that$3$ the 111:175,34[A ]| unnatural light should not frighten them; for$3$ the lurid 111:175,35[A ]| flames had dispelled the darkness so$5#1$ effectually that$3$ the 111:175,36[A ]| smallest print would have been readable. 111:175,37[A ]| Mrs%*Leslie was now led out by$4$ her maid. Her delirium 111:175,38[A ]| had passed away, but she was very pale. As she was about 111:175,39[A ]| to$9$ mount one of the waggons she recognised me, and said 111:176,01[A ]| sadly, 111:176,01@b | "The second threat of the black woman is accomplished; 111:176,02@b | perhaps by$4$ this time the third also, for$3$ I had a 111:176,03@b | letter from my husband this morning saying that$3$ he might 111:176,04@b | be home to-night." 111:176,05[A ]| By$4$ this time the roar of the flames behind the station was 111:176,06[A ]| like$4$ the sound of a cataract. The swift-winged beetle and 111:176,07[A ]| flocks of wild birds flew over our heads; fleet, bounding 111:176,08[A ]| kangaroos and long-legged emus passed by$5$ on$4$ the other 111:176,09[A ]| side of the cockatoo fence that$6#1$ encircled the home paddock, 111:176,10[A ]| frightened by$4$ the flames in$4$ their rear; then, with 111:176,11[A ]| discordant howls, a pack of dingoes, or native dogs, swept 111:176,12[A ]| by$5$ at full speed. The fire was now within a quarter of 111:176,13[A ]| a mile from the house, and the waggons began to$9$ move 111:176,14[A ]| away. 111:176,15[A ]| I had mounted my charger, having first blindfolded him, 111:176,16[A ]| but drew rein for$4$ a moment to$9$ take a last glance at the 111:176,17[A ]| scene. It was an awful sight; a sea of fire, roaring in$4$ its 111:176,18[A ]| fury, with its heaving, leaping waves, and unearthly hisses, 111:176,19[A ]| approaching each moment nearer and nearer. I turned my 111:176,20[A ]| back on$4$ the destroyer, and was about to$9$ ride after the 111:176,21[A ]| waggons, when, to$4$ my intense surprise, I was greeted by$4$ a 111:176,22[A ]| strong gust of wind directly in$4$ my face ~~ a spiteful, uncertain 111:176,23[A ]| blast, blowing crabwise, but yet for$4$ a minute it caused me a 111:176,24[A ]| greater, a more exquisite pleasure than the softest, balmiest 111:176,25[A ]| English summer breeze could have done. Another steady 111:176,26[A ]| blow from the same direction completed my satisfaction, for$3$ 111:176,27[A ]| I knew that$3$ the wind had suddenly changed, veered, in$4$ fact, 111:176,28[A ]| directly around, and was now blowing half a gale from the 111:176,29[A ]| east. 111:176,30[A ]| What a refreshing change this cool, invigorating wind was 111:176,31[A ]| from the hot dry furnace blast that$6#1$ had surrounded me a 111:176,32[A ]| moment before! but it was not this that$6#1$ overjoyed me. It 111:176,33[A ]| was the fact that$3$ the station might yet be saved, for$3$ if the 111:176,34[A ]| breeze kept up$5$ from its present direction the fire could 111:176,35[A ]| advance no$2$ further. 111:176,36[A ]| A lusty cheer from the distance at this moment told me that$3$ 111:176,37[A ]| Mrs%*Leslie and the station hands had made a similar discovery. 111:176,38[A ]| I rode into the paddock, and saw the waggons returning 111:176,39[A ]| to$4$ the station. Presently the blue sky was visible 111:177,01[A ]| overhead, the stars sparkled out ~~ the whole voice of nature 111:177,02[A ]| seemed to$9$ echo, 111:177,02@z | "Thus far shalt thou come and no$2$ further." 111:177,03[A ]| When Mrs%*Leslie descended from the waggon, the expression 111:177,04[A ]| of her countenance was far more hopeful than when she 111:177,05[A ]| had entered it. Perhaps she thought, that$3$ as an Almighty 111:177,06[A ]| power had interposed and saved her property, so$3$ it would 111:177,07[A ]| interpose also to$9$ save her child. I own that$3$ I had such a 111:177,08[A ]| presentiment when, dismounting by$4$ her side, I said respectfully, 111:177,09@a | "If you can let me have a fresh horse from your stables, 111:177,10@a | I will$1$ again set out and seek your little girl." 111:177,11[A ]| She turned towards me and said, with a faint smile, 111:177,11@b | "I 111:177,12@b | fear I am taxing your kindness greatly. You have undergone 111:177,13@b | much fatigue since the morning, and must require 111:177,14@b | rest." 111:177,15@a | "Pardon me, madam, I will$1$ rest when my work is accomplished. 111:177,16@a | I am quite up$5$ to$4$ another bush ride, and, in$4$ short, 111:177,17@a | I have my reasons for$4$ setting out at once." 111:177,18@b | "Indeed! have you any hopes, then?" 111:177,18[A ]| eagerly inquired 111:177,19[A ]| the mother. 111:177,20@a | "I have, Mrs%*Leslie, but I would rather not explain them 111:177,21@a | now," 111:177,21[A ]| I answered, and to$9$ avoid further questioning, I bowed 111:177,22[A ]| and moved off towards the stables. 111:177,23[A ]| Five minutes later, mounted on$4$ a strong stock horse, I was 111:177,24[A ]| riding at full speed from the station. 111:177,25[A ]| Now the idea that$6#1$ had occurred to$4$ me was this. The 111:177,26[A ]| lubra, either alone or with other blacks, had no$2$ doubt set fire 111:177,27[A ]| to$4$ the bush just on$4$ the ridge of Cat's*Back*Hill, trusting 111:177,28[A ]| that$3$ the strong wind would speedily urge the flames forward 111:177,29[A ]| until they destroyed the station. Most probably, then, the 111:177,30[A ]| incendiary or incendiaries would remain in$4$ concealment somewhere 111:177,31[A ]| behind this hill until they either discovered that$3$ their 111:177,32[A ]| plan had been successful, or until the change of wind blew 111:177,33[A ]| the fire back in$4$ their faces and caused them to$9$ retreat before 111:177,34[A ]| it. My plan was therefore to$9$ round the conflagration and 111:177,35[A ]| get in$4$ its rear, when very likely I might find the lubra and 111:177,36[A ]| the stolen child. One thing I felt sure of, which$6#1$ was, that$3$ 111:177,37[A ]| if I did not make the capture now, the probability was that$3$ 111:177,38[A ]| I might never be able to$9$ do so$5#2$, as doubtless, after so$5#1$ flagrant 111:177,39[A ]| an act of hostility the blacks would make themselves scarce, 111:178,01[A ]| and with the little girl, proceed perhaps some hundreds of 111:178,02[A ]| miles into the far interior, whither it would be folly and 111:178,03[A ]| madness to$9$ pursue them. 111:178,04[A ]| I pushed my horse on$5$ as speedily as possible, riding along 111:178,05[A ]| the whole front of the conflagration, and as near to$4$ it as the 111:178,06[A ]| heat would allow. 111:178,07[A ]| It was now three o'clock in$4$ the morning; the fire had 111:178,08[A ]| already raged for$4$ eight hours, and I found the front to$9$ be 111:178,09[A ]| about six miles long. At last, however, I succeeded in$4$ 111:178,10[A ]| rounding it, and half an hour later I gained its rear, or rather 111:178,11[A ]| what had been its rear; for$3$ it was now, as a matter of course, 111:178,12[A ]| its front, the wind having changed completely round. Cat's*Back*Hill 111:178,13[A ]| now seemed in$4$ about the centre of the conflagration, 111:178,14[A ]| and I had to$9$ make a wide detour to$9$ steer clear of the 111:178,15[A ]| advancing flames. 111:178,16[A ]| I had ridden in$4$ this manner about a couple of miles 111:178,17[A ]| further, and had given up$5$ almost all hopes of coming across 111:178,18[A ]| the lubra, when I noticed a movement amid the scrub on$4$ my 111:178,19[A ]| left. At first I fancied it might be caused by$4$ a snake or some 111:178,20[A ]| wild animal, but when I looked again I perceived the face of 111:178,21[A ]| a black fellow peer for$4$ a moment above the bushes and then 111:178,22[A ]| duck under cover. The next moment a spear glanced by$4$ me, 111:178,23[A ]| so$5#1$ close that$3$ it grazed my shoulder. 111:178,24@a | "Hang it!" 111:178,24[A ]| thought I, 111:178,24@a | "these rascals are in$4$ ambush, and 111:178,25@a | I shall never attain my object unless I hit upon$4$ some clever 111:178,26@a | scheme to$9$ outwit them." 111:178,26[A ]| While these thoughts occupied my 111:178,27[A ]| attention a waddy whizzed through the air and came crack 111:178,28[A ]| right against my stout leather shako with such a hearty good 111:178,29[A ]| will$0$ that$3$ it made my head ring again. Thank Heaven, however, 111:178,30[A ]| it did not stagger me or confuse my senses for$4$ an instant. 111:178,31[A ]| On$4$ the contrary, it enabled me to$9$ put the plot I had been 111:178,32[A ]| hatching in$4$ my brain into execution. The very moment the 111:178,33[A ]| waddy hit me, therefore, I fell from my horse, and lay as if 111:178,34[A ]| dead. I knew that$3$ the stock horse was too old a hand to$9$ 111:178,35[A ]| leave the spot, and as for$4$ the savages, as long as he stood by$4$ 111:178,36[A ]| me and my revolver held a single charge, I did not care a pin 111:178,37[A ]| for$4$ them. 111:178,38[A ]| My reason for$4$ this ruse I will$1$ explain. I was sufficiently 111:178,39[A ]| acquainted with the habits of the blacks to$9$ know, that$3$ directly 111:179,01[A ]| they saw me fall from my horse and lie still, they would all 111:179,02[A ]| rush out of ambush and surround me, thinking I was dead. If 111:179,03[A ]| the revengeful lubra was amongst the party, the child would 111:179,04[A ]| doubtless be in$4$ her arms or by$4$ her side, so$3$ that$3$ by$4$ springing 111:179,05[A ]| suddenly up$5$ I might be able to$9$ wrest it from her, and then 111:179,06[A ]| make the whole party scamper away by$4$ showing them my 111:179,07[A ]| firearms; for$3$ a white man with a six-chambered Colt or 111:179,08[A ]| Adams, may, in$4$ open ground, drive a score or so$5#2$ of these 111:179,09[A ]| black fellows before him like$4$ a flock of sheep, ~~ the aborigines 111:179,10[A ]| of Australia, or at least those \south\ of Queensland, 111:179,11[A ]| being about the rankest cowards on$4$ the face of the 111:179,12[A ]| globe. 111:179,13[A ]| I had hardly been on$4$ the ground a minute when I saw a 111:179,14[A ]| dusky form creep out of the scrub, then came another, and 111:179,15[A ]| another, until I counted a dozen. I was sadly afraid I had 111:179,16[A ]| taken all my trouble for$4$ nothing, when, to$4$ my joy, a thirteenth 111:179,17[A ]| form sprang from out the cover, and my heart beat 111:179,18[A ]| quickly, for$3$ I saw that$3$ it was a woman, and that$3$ a white 111:179,19[A ]| child was clutched in$4$ her arms. 111:179,20[A ]| I now held my breath, and half closed my eyes. 111:179,21[A ]| Cautiously they came nearer, and at last surrounded me, 111:179,22[A ]| dancing, screaming, and indulging in$4$ such an exuberant 111:179,23[A ]| "yabber! yabber!" that$3$ it nearly deafened me. The woman 111:179,24[A ]| at first held aloof, but presently she came right up$5$ to$4$ me, and 111:179,25[A ]| endeavoured to$9$ tear a button from my coat; doubtless the 111:179,26[A ]| glittering silver had attracted her. 111:179,27[A ]| Here was the very opportunity I had longed for$4$; with 111:179,28[A ]| one bound I sprang to$4$ my feet, I dragged the child out of 111:179,29[A ]| her arms, and, drawing my revolver, cried, 111:179,29@a | "Away, you 111:179,30@a | rascals, or I will$1$ shoot every mother's son of you!" 111:179,31[A ]| By$4$ Jove! there was not a single one of them man enough 111:179,32[A ]| to$9$ hurl a spear or throw a boomerang or waddy. They turned 111:179,33[A ]| tail and ran for$4$ the scrub, and with equal speed I sprang 111:179,34[A ]| into the saddle, placed the child before me, and set spurs to$4$ 111:179,35[A ]| my horse. The savages, brave enough now that$3$ they were 111:179,36[A ]| hid behind the scrub again, hurled a shower of missiles at 111:179,37[A ]| me. One spear tore up$5$ the sleeve of my coat, another 111:179,38[A ]| grazed my ear, while a waddy hit the horse on$4$ the flank. In$4$ 111:179,39[A ]| another minute, however, we were clear of danger, and an 111:180,01[A ]| hour later I reached Garryong station, and restored the little 111:180,02[A ]| girl to$4$ her mother. 111:180,03[A ]| A happier meeting than that$6#2$ it has never been my lot to$9$ 111:180,04[A ]| witness; and as if to$9$ complete Mrs%*Leslie's joy, just as she 111:180,05[A ]| had kissed her rescued darling, for$4$ about the hundredth 111:180,06[A ]| time, the sound of a horse's hoofs were audible without, followed 111:180,07[A ]| by$4$ heavy footsteps in$4$ the passage, and the next 111:180,08[A ]| moment the dining-room door was thrown open, and a rough, 111:180,09[A ]| manly voice exclaimed, 111:180,09@w | "Why, what the deuce brings you all 111:180,10@w | up$5$ at this hour in$4$ the morning?" 111:180,10[A ]| The owner of the voice, 111:180,11[A ]| ere the sentence was concluded, entered the apartment. He 111:180,12[A ]| was a fine burly, red-headed country gentleman, and with a 111:180,13[A ]| cry of joy Mrs%*Leslie placed the child on$4$ the sofa, and 111:180,14[A ]| threw herself into his arms. 111:180,15[A ]| It was Mr%*Leslie, returned safe from Sydney, and thus 111:180,16[A ]| neither of the lubra's three threats were accomplished successfully. 111:180,17[A ]| As for$4$ the woman herself, I never saw or heard 111:180,18[A ]| of her more, for$3$ in$4$ spite of all our efforts to$9$ catch her, lest 111:180,19[A ]| she might plan and execute further mischief, she eluded us, 111:180,20[A ]| and with her party fled, without doubt, into the interior, to$9$ 111:180,21[A ]| escape a dreaded retribution. 111:180,22[A ]| After a hearty breakfast, and a very handsome present 111:180,23[A ]| received from Mr%*Leslie, I quitted Garryong, on$4$ my return 111:180,24[A ]| to$4$ our out-station. By$4$ this time the fire had somewhat 111:180,25[A ]| abated, but though in$4$ one or two places it seemed to$9$ be 111:180,26[A ]| quite extinguished, a fallen tree would occasionally light up$5$ 111:180,27[A ]| the charred, blackened scrub again, and send a thousand 111:180,28[A ]| sparkling stars of fire towards the now sunlit sky. All 111:180,29[A ]| danger from the conflagration, however, was past, though it 111:180,30[A ]| continued to$9$ smoulder for$4$ another couple of days, when a 111:180,31[A ]| summer thunder-shower extinguished it altogether. 112:181,00@@@@@| 112:181,00[' ]| 112:181,00[' ]| 112:181,01[A ]| When I was quartered in$4$ Sydney in$4$ the year 1855, that$6#2$ city 112:181,02[A ]| did not wear the quiet, dull, English market-town appearance 112:181,03[A ]| that$6#1$ it does at present. The gold fever was not yet 112:181,04[A ]| decidedly on$4$ the wane, and bright-shirted diggers from 112:181,05[A ]| Ophir, Bathurst, and other inland gold*fields were still the 112:181,06[A ]| lions of George and Pitt*Streets, and the principal personages 112:181,07[A ]| which$6#1$ the caterers of public amusement sought to$9$ 112:181,08[A ]| please. 112:181,09[A ]| They were rough fellows most of them, but the majority 112:181,10[A ]| were honest, while not a few possessed gentle blood and a 112:181,11[A ]| university education. There were, however, as a matter of 112:181,12[A ]| course, many roughs amongst so$5#1$ large a number, and some 112:181,13[A ]| villains of the deepest dye. Fellows of this latter class 112:181,14[A ]| were always to$9$ be met with amid the purliens of Sussex or 112:181,15[A ]| Cumberland*Streets, or at night in$4$ the many low play-houses 112:181,16[A ]| and gambling-saloons that$6#1$ were so$5#1$ prevalent in$4$ the neighbourhood 112:181,17[A ]| of York*Street or Brickfield*Hill. 112:181,18[A ]| I had often listened to$4$ descriptions of the interior of one 112:181,19[A ]| or other of these temples devoted to$4$ the deity ~~ cards; and 112:181,20[A ]| one night, being off duty, I determined to$9$ set out in$4$ search 112:181,21[A ]| of adventures, and penetrate the mysteries of one or two of 112:181,22[A ]| the most notorious of these places ere my return. 112:181,23[A ]| After attending the Victoria*Theatre, therefore, where I 112:181,24[A ]| witnessed a very lengthy melodrama of the "Jonathan*Wilde" 112:181,25[A ]| and "Newgate*Calendar" stamp, I discussed some 112:182,01[A ]| prime oysters (for$3$ Sydney rock oysters are equal in$4$ flavour to$4$ 112:182,02[A ]| London natives), together with a pint of stout, and it being 112:182,03[A ]| by$4$ this time about eleven o'clock, I marched off to$4$ a gaming-house 112:182,04[A ]| which$6#1$ I knew to$9$ be situated on$4$ the Brickfield*Hill 112:182,05[A ]| side of Pitt*Street. 112:182,06[A ]| When I entered the room the clouds of tobacco smoke 112:182,07[A ]| were so$5#1$ dense, that$3$ for$4$ a few minutes I could not perceive 112:182,08[A ]| anything clearly, but in$4$ a little while I became used to$4$ it, 112:182,09[A ]| and then a strange scene presented itself. 112:182,10[A ]| It was a very large room, but low, and, to$4$ my idea, excessively 112:182,11[A ]| dirty. At one end was a bar, with its usual background 112:182,12[A ]| of bottle-laden shelves. A very stout, brown-wigged, 112:182,13[A ]| red-nosed woman, of dubious age, was presiding over this 112:182,14[A ]| department; and, to$9$ judge from her vacant smiles, and the 112:182,15[A ]| frequent mistakes she made in$4$ drawing the wrong liquors, 112:182,16[A ]| she must have been already considerably more than fuddled. 112:182,17[A ]| Scattered throughout the rest of the room were deal 112:182,18[A ]| tables of every size and form, around which$6#1$ sat as motley 112:182,19[A ]| groups as it is possible to$9$ conceive ~~ swell diggers, distinguished 112:182,20[A ]| by$4$ their loud-patterned shirts and Chinese silk 112:182,21[A ]| scarfs, mingled with stockdrivers, navvies, sailors, loafers, 112:182,22[A ]| and every other variety of the genus "scamp." 112:182,23[A ]| All kinds of games were in$4$ progress, but cards seemed to$9$ 112:182,24[A ]| be the favourite pastime; and I had hardly been in$4$ the 112:182,25[A ]| room ten minutes when I became absorbed in$4$ a game of 112:182,26[A ]| whist waged fiercely between a couple of diggers on$4$ the one 112:182,27[A ]| side and a brace of ~~ as I had no$2$ doubt ~~ out-and-out sharpers 112:182,28[A ]| on$4$ the other. 112:182,29[A ]| They were "game and game" when I first approached 112:182,30[A ]| their table, and in$4$ the third one of the rub the diggers had 112:182,31[A ]| crept up$4$ a single point at a deal to$4$ "three by$4$ cards," when, 112:182,32[A ]| in$4$ the fifth deal, their opponents marked "four by$4$ honours," 112:182,33[A ]| but purposely lost the trick, thus making the game "four 112:182,34[A ]| all." I could see that$3$ the honours were obtained by$4$ trickery, 112:182,35[A ]| and that$3$ the single point by$4$ cards which$6#1$ would have secured 112:182,36[A ]| them the rubber was lost intentionally, for$4$ the reason, I had 112:182,37[A ]| no$2$ doubt, of encouraging betting. Anyhow it had that$6#2$ 112:182,38[A ]| effect, for$3$ the diggers were half-screwed, and were willing to$9$ 112:182,39[A ]| give and take any odds that$3$ the rub was theirs. The result 112:183,01[A ]| was that$3$ although they were playing at a guinea a point, in$4$ 112:183,02[A ]| addition to$4$ ten guineas on$4$ the rubber, they were let into 112:183,03[A ]| some twenty-five pounds each in$4$ bets. 112:183,04[A ]| It went against my grain to$9$ stand by$5$ and see the poor 112:183,05[A ]| fellows so$5#1$ chiselled, and I whispered a warning to$4$ the elder 112:183,06[A ]| and more sober of the two, but the reply I got was a leer of 112:183,07[A ]| drunken cunning, and a threatening scowl from one of the 112:183,08[A ]| sharpers who$6#1$ overheard me. In$4$ spite of this, I determined 112:183,09[A ]| to$9$ foil the rogues if possible. It was now the turn of the 112:183,10[A ]| younger of the gamesters to$9$ deal, and as he took up$5$ the cards 112:183,11[A ]| for$4$ that$6#2$ purpose, I saw the deuce of clubs at the bottom of 112:183,12[A ]| the pack, but in$4$ the middle of the deal, with a quick movement 112:183,13[A ]| of the hand, he slipped this bottom instead of the top 112:183,14[A ]| card to$4$ the player on$4$ his left, and when the trump came to$9$ 112:183,15[A ]| be turned up$5$ it proved to$9$ be the ace of spades. 112:183,16[A ]| I looked over his partner's shoulder as he sorted his cards, 112:183,17[A ]| and saw that$3$ he held the king, knave, and five small trumps, 112:183,18[A ]| and at the same moment a tall, gaunt fellow, who$6#1$ throughout 112:183,19[A ]| the rubber had been overlooking the two diggers' cards, 112:183,20[A ]| knocked the ash from his cigar with two applications of his 112:183,21[A ]| little finger, spitting at the same time on$4$ the floor \to$4$ his left\. 112:183,22[A ]| I knew that$3$ the expectoration in$4$ this direction meants spades, 112:183,23[A ]| and that$3$ the number of times he touched his cigar signified 112:183,24[A ]| the number of trumps in$4$ the hand of the digger, while the 112:183,25[A ]| peculiar flourish of his little finger at the close intimated 112:183,26[A ]| that$3$ one of them was an honour. 112:183,27[A ]| The game was of course played out; the rogues, as a 112:183,28[A ]| necessary consequence, won; and the diggers, half-sobered 112:183,29[A ]| by$4$ their losses, were about to$9$ hand over the stakes. 112:183,30@a | "Stop, mates," 112:183,30[A ]| I said. 112:183,30@a | "You have been cheated. Instead 112:183,31@a | of parting with your gold, just help me to$9$ give these 112:183,32@a | fellows into custody." 112:183,33@w | "Liar!" 112:183,33[A ]| screamed one of the blacklegs. 112:183,33@w | "Prove your 112:183,34@w | words, or by$4$ G** I will$1$ knife you." 112:183,35@a | "I can easily do that$6#2$," 112:183,35[A ]| I replied. 112:183,35@a | "hand over your pack, 112:183,36@a | and I will$1$ prove that$3$ you have been playing with \brief\ 112:184,01@a | cards, and as for$4$ your tall friend, he has been performing 112:184,02@a | the old \piping\ trick, and revealing the cards held by$4$ your 112:184,03@a | dupes throughout the rubber. Give me the ace of spades, 112:184,04@a | the last trump turned up$5$, and I will$1$ show you the \corner\ 112:184,05@a | \bend\ on$4$ it." 112:184,06[A ]| The uproar that$6#1$ arose when I made this disclosure defies 112:184,07[A ]| description. I had thought that$3$ there were as many honest 112:184,08[A ]| men in$4$ the room as blackguards, but I was mistaken. The 112:184,09[A ]| few who$6#1$ were there slipped away, and in$4$ a minute or two 112:184,10[A ]| the two diggers, who$6#1$ had succeeded in$4$ pocketing their 112:184,11[A ]| stakes, and myself, were fighting for$4$ our very lives to$9$ escape 112:184,12[A ]| from the house into the street. 112:184,13@w | "The ace of spades is it that$3$ you want, you 'tarnal skunk?" 112:184,14[A ]| growled one of the sharpers, a gigantic fellow with the 112:184,15[A ]| strength of an ox; and as he spoke, he pressed the card 112:184,16[A ]| against my chest with his left hand, while with his right he 112:184,17[A ]| drove a long-bladed knife into my body, right through the 112:184,18[A ]| card, thus nailing it to$4$ me. 112:184,19[A ]| The whole thing was done so$5#1$ suddenly that$3$ I had no$2$ time 112:184,20[A ]| to$9$ avoid the stroke, but after I received it, I sprang at my 112:184,21[A ]| assassin, and floored him with one blow, falling over him 112:184,22[A ]| insensible the moment I had done so$5#2$. 112:184,23[A ]| When consciousness returned I found myself in$4$ the 112:184,24[A ]| hospital; my wound was being dressed. The ace of spades, 112:184,25[A ]| still transfixed by$4$ the knife, lay on$4$ the floor close by$5$. Two 112:184,26[A ]| inches or so$5#2$ of its blade was stained with blood. 112:184,27[A ]| My wound proved very troublesome. I was in$4$ the hospital 112:184,28[A ]| six weeks, and it was much longer time before I was 112:184,29[A ]| quite restored to$4$ health. 112:184,30[A ]| With regard to$4$ the other actors in$4$ the scene at the gaming*house, 112:184,31[A ]| the two diggers escaped with a few bruises, and, 112:184,32[A ]| what is more, succeeded in$4$ carrying away their cash with 112:184,33[A ]| them. Before I left Sydney they presented me with a 112:184,34[A ]| handsome watch as a \9souvenir\ of their gratitude for$4$ the 112:184,35[A ]| pecuniary losses from which$6#1$ I had saved them. Two of the 112:185,01[A ]| rascally cardsharpers escaped, but the tall fellow who$6#1$ had 112:185,02[A ]| stabbed me was arrested three days later, and in$4$ return for$4$ 112:185,03[A ]| his bit of knife work got three years' penal servitude. Since 112:185,04[A ]| the expiration of that$6#2$ sentence he has turned bushranger, 112:185,05[A ]| been captured, and is now a convict for$4$ life. 113:186,00@@@@@| 113:186,00[' ]| 113:186,01[A ]| It was towards the close of 1855 that$3$ I joined the detective 113:186,02[A ]| force of Adelaide, South*Australia. One bright November 113:186,03[A ]| morning I stepped on$4$ board the steamer \Wollongong\ at 113:186,04[A ]| Sandridge, and after a rapid passage reached the third 113:186,05[A ]| rising city of "the Empire of the Southern*Seas." 113:186,06[A ]| I confess that$3$ I was at first delighted with Adelaide, for$3$ 113:186,07[A ]| I found it a town, or rather city, presenting a contrast ~~ and 113:186,08[A ]| a very marked one ~~ to$4$ both Melbourne and Sydney. The 113:186,09[A ]| streets were bordered with Norfolk pines, giving it an 113:186,10[A ]| American air, while the remarkably clean-looking houses 113:186,11[A ]| with their verandahs, gardens, and bright green jalousies, 113:186,12[A ]| and the attractive outward appearance presented by$4$ the 113:186,13[A ]| shops, many of which$6#1$ displayed as choice an assortment of 113:186,14[A ]| wares as Regent or New*Bond*Street establishments could 113:186,15[A ]| do, rendered it almost possible to$9$ imagine oneself transplanted 113:186,16[A ]| to$4$ an European city, the more so$5#2$ as Adelaide was 113:186,17[A ]| the chief German resort in$4$ Australia, and the language of 113:186,18[A ]| the "fatherland" was as frequently heard in$4$ its streets as 113:186,19[A ]| the dialect of the Celt or Saxon. 113:186,20[A ]| Adelaide presents many features worthy of remark. It is 113:186,21[A ]| divided into two distinct portions, north and south, the 113:186,22[A ]| former comprising an area of 300 acres, the later 700. The 113:186,23[A ]| streets are systematically laid out, being twenty-two in$4$ 113:186,24[A ]| number, and intersecting each other at right angles. They 113:186,25[A ]| are from 60 to$4$ 130 feet wide. Squares, a rare thing in$4$ 113:186,26[A ]| Australian towns, are met with here and there, and a large 113:186,27[A ]| area of park land that$6#1$ environs the city is reserved for$4$ a 113:186,28[A ]| boulevard for$4$ the recreation of the inhabitants. 113:186,29[A ]| The population of Adelaide when I first arrived there 113:187,01[A ]| was about 20*000; it has since then much increased. An 113:187,02[A ]| assessment of one shilling per pound on$4$ the rental amounted, 113:187,03[A ]| I recollect, to$4$ L5*500, which$6#1$ will$1$ afford some idea of the 113:187,04[A ]| value of house property at that$6#2$ time. South*Adelaide, the 113:187,05[A ]| commercial quarter, bore a thriving aspect, its business being 113:187,06[A ]| chiefly concentrated about Rundle, Hindley, and King*William*Streets, 113:187,07[A ]| though many others almost equalled them 113:187,08[A ]| in$4$ bustle. These streets resemble those of an English 113:187,09[A ]| country town. Drapers, grocers, and others, revelled in$4$ 113:187,10[A ]| spacious well-stocked premises. Members of the Jewish persuasion 113:187,11[A ]| ruled over cheap clothing depo^ts on$4$ a very extensive 113:187,12[A ]| scale; and some very imposing stone edifices, yclept "stores," 113:187,13[A ]| especially attracted my attention. These latter belonged to$4$ 113:187,14[A ]| merchants, and were used for$4$ the reception of English goods, 113:187,15[A ]| which$6#1$ were thence sold wholesale to$4$ retail dealers, squatters, 113:187,16[A ]| and country residents. 113:187,17[A ]| Most shopkeepers I found dealt in$4$ the general way, supplying 113:187,18[A ]| that$6#2$ multifarious description of articles which$6#1$, under 113:187,19[A ]| the comprehensive term of "notions," are to$9$ be had at 113:187,20[A ]| Yankee stores; but these things are altered now in$4$ America, 113:187,21[A ]| I hear. Adelaide tradesmen, I found, fully appreciated the 113:187,22[A ]| advantage of puffing, for$3$ I discovered that$3$ pretended failures 113:187,23[A ]| and \sellings off\ were common \ruses\ to$9$ draw attention, whilst 113:187,24[A ]| tempting announcements through the medium of tickets, 113:187,25[A ]| informing the public of the sacrifices they were prepared to$9$ 113:187,26[A ]| make, met your eye in$4$ every street. 113:187,27[A ]| Amusements, too, were numerous ~~ a capital theatre, two 113:187,28[A ]| or three public rooms, concert halls, dancing saloons, &c%, 113:187,29[A ]| being sprinkled here and there. In$4$ fact, the city of Adelaide 113:187,30[A ]| affords a striking proof of the notable saying that$3$ 113:187,30@z | "the 113:187,31@z | Anglo-Saxon reproduces his country wherever he plants his 113:187,32@z | country's flag," 113:187,32[A ]| for$3$ although South*Australia had been then 113:187,33[A ]| colonized only about twenty years, the traveller who$6#1$ visited 113:187,34[A ]| this capital in$4$ 1855 might, in$4$ perambulating its business 113:187,35[A ]| streets, imagine himself in$4$ Exeter, Gloucester, or Worcester, 113:187,36[A ]| whilst its more retired quarters would, to$4$ a German, seem 113:187,37[A ]| as if a lump of his "fatherland" had suddenly dropped 113:187,38[A ]| before him from the moon. 113:187,39[A ]| But I must cease description, and at once commence the 113:188,01[A ]| narration of a most remarkable case in$4$ which$6#1$ I was destined 113:188,02[A ]| to$9$ form one of the chief actors shortly after my arrival in$4$ 113:188,03[A ]| Adelaide. 113:188,04[A ]| Early one morning, as I was sitting in$4$ my office reading 113:188,05[A ]| the Melbourne papers, a young man, with tears in$4$ his eyes, 113:188,06[A ]| came to$9$ give information that$3$ a girl, named Lucy*Floyd, residing 113:188,07[A ]| at No%*36, Brownlow*Street, and by$4$ profession a circus 113:188,08[A ]| rider, had been discovered lying dead in$4$ her bedroom on$4$ the 113:188,09[A ]| second floor, and that$3$ there was a suspicion of foul play in$4$ 113:188,10[A ]| the matter. I at once intimated to$4$ my informant that$3$ I 113:188,11[A ]| would accompany him to$4$ Brownlow*Street and personally 113:188,12[A ]| investigate the matter, and a quarter of an hour later we 113:188,13[A ]| stood in$4$ the room where the dead girl still lay in$4$ her long, 113:188,14[A ]| last sleep. 113:188,15[A ]| She was lying on$4$ her back; her hand was on$4$ the hearth 113:188,16[A ]| rug; her feet nearly touched the foot of the bedstead. The 113:188,17[A ]| only article of clothing she had on$5$ was her nightdress. Her 113:188,18[A ]| face was pale, but from its expression I could tell that$3$ her 113:188,19[A ]| last moments had been free from pain. 113:188,20[A ]| Upon$4$ examination of the body, I could not discover any 113:188,21[A ]| clue as to$4$ how she had come by$4$ her death. There was no$2$ 113:188,22[A ]| wound, no$2$ blood, no$2$ marks of violence, with the exception of 113:188,23[A ]| a trifling swelling on$4$ the left temple. It also seemed to$4$ me 113:188,24[A ]| as if some hairs had been lost from the left eyebrow. As for$4$ 113:188,25[A ]| the swelling, it was of so$5#1$ trivial a nature that$3$ I never for$4$ a 113:188,26[A ]| moment imagined it sufficient to$9$ cause death, and I continued 113:188,27[A ]| my investigations, ~~ smelling her nostrils and half parted lips 113:188,28[A ]| to$9$ see whether I could detect the fumes of ether or chloroform, 113:188,29[A ]| examining the muscles of the throat and the eyes for$4$ 113:188,30[A ]| any significations of suffocation, and the colour of the tongue 113:188,31[A ]| and rigidity of the fingers for$4$ symptoms of a death by$4$ poison. 113:188,32[A ]| I could make nothing of it, and felt satisfied that$3$ the discovery 113:188,33[A ]| of the cause of death rested with the medical profession 113:188,34[A ]| at the inquest. I was convinced, however, that$3$ the poor girl 113:188,35[A ]| was murdered, but more, I own, from a kind of mysterious 113:188,36[A ]| impression to$4$ that$6#2$ effect than from any definite course of 113:188,37[A ]| reasoning. 113:188,38[A ]| A glance around the room assured me that$3$ the murder, if 113:188,39[A ]| murder it was, could not have been committed for$4$ the sake 113:189,01[A ]| of plunder, as a valuable gold watch, a purse containing 113:189,02[A ]| money, and some rings lay on$4$ the toilet-table. 113:189,03[A ]| I now carefully searched the apartment for$4$ any traces left 113:189,04[A ]| by$4$ an intruder, but could find none, with the exception of a 113:189,05[A ]| small piece of plaster, which$6#1$ lay on$4$ the floor just under the 113:189,06[A ]| window. The room being papered this could not have come 113:189,07[A ]| from the walls, nor could it have fallen from the ceiling, for$3$ 113:189,08[A ]| that$6#2$ was painted pink, whereas the plaster was whitewashed. 113:189,09[A ]| I consequently concluded that$3$ it came from the outside wall, 113:189,10[A ]| and opened the window to$9$ make further investigations. 113:189,11[A ]| Further and more important clues now presented themselves. 113:189,12[A ]| Fortunately the window-frame on$4$ the outside had 113:189,13[A ]| been newly painted, and on$4$ the ledge was the impress of a 113:189,14[A ]| thumb and three fingers. From their position I could tell 113:189,15[A ]| that$3$ they had been so$5#2$ placed for$4$ the purpose of lifting the 113:189,16[A ]| sash. I discovered also that$3$ a minute portion of the stone 113:189,17[A ]| window sill was chipped off, as though by$4$ an iron-rimmed 113:189,18[A ]| foot heel; and what was still more important, about a yard 113:189,19[A ]| or so$5#2$ below this window sill a fragment of plaster had been 113:189,20[A ]| knocked from the whitewashed wall, which$6#1$ from its shape 113:189,21[A ]| could have been none other than the piece that$6#1$ I had picked 113:189,22[A ]| up$5$ in$4$ the bedroom. How the assassin had mounted to$4$ the 113:189,23[A ]| window was also apparent, for$3$ a leaden spout ran from the 113:189,24[A ]| garden below up$5$ to$4$ the roof, passing the window at a distance 113:189,25[A ]| of about a couple of feet, and this spout also bore scratches 113:189,26[A ]| from nail-shod boots. Upon$4$ descending the stairs, and going 113:189,27[A ]| out into the garden, I found that$3$ there were footmarks leading 113:189,28[A ]| from its western corner, outside which$6#1$ ran a narrow right-of-way 113:189,29[A ]| called "A'Beckett*Lane," right up$5$ to$4$ the base of the spout 113:189,30[A ]| before-mentioned and back again. These footprints were very 113:189,31[A ]| large, and the boots that$6#1$ made them would seem to$9$ have 113:189,32[A ]| belonged to$4$ a hard-working countryman or navvy, from the 113:189,33[A ]| clinker-shod sides and the number of great hob-nails in$4$ the 113:189,34[A ]| soles of them. I say would \seem\ to$9$ \have belonged\, because 113:189,35[A ]| I did not for$4$ a moment believe that$3$ they did belong to$4$ either 113:189,36[A ]| a countryman or navvy; and the fact that$3$ these footprints 113:189,37[A ]| were impressed deeply into the ground, and that$3$ their wearer 113:189,38[A ]| had crossed flower beds, and such places as were most likely 113:189,39[A ]| to$9$ retain their impression, convinced me that$3$ the murderer 113:190,01[A ]| had cunningly worn these large boots for$4$ the purpose of 113:190,02[A ]| throwing the authorities off the scent in$4$ any investigations 113:190,03[A ]| they might make. 113:190,04[A ]| Having concluded my search, I placed a constable in$4$ charge 113:190,05[A ]| of the room where the dead girl lay, with orders that$3$ no*one 113:190,06[A ]| should be allowed to$9$ enter until the arrival of the coroner, 113:190,07[A ]| whom I sent for$4$ at once; and then adjourning to$4$ the sitting-room 113:190,08[A ]| down*stairs, I begged the young man who$6#1$ had first 113:190,09[A ]| brought me the intelligence of the murder, and who$6#1$ was the 113:190,10[A ]| only son of the lodging-house keeper, to$9$ tell me as much as 113:190,11[A ]| he could of the antecedents of the deceased. 113:190,12[A ]| From him I learned that$3$ the circus in$4$ which$6#1$ Lucy*Floyd 113:190,13[A ]| (or to$9$ quote the play-bills "Madlle%*Duroc") performed had 113:190,14[A ]| been in$4$ Adelaide about a month, and during the whole of 113:190,15[A ]| that$6#2$ time she had lodged at his mother's house, occupying the 113:190,16[A ]| same bedroom on$4$ the second floor, and taking her meals with 113:190,17[A ]| the family. She was a very quiet, well-behaved girl, regular 113:190,18[A ]| in$4$ her habits, and always at home a few minutes after the 113:190,19[A ]| performance was over of an evening. The young man then 113:190,20[A ]| told me that$3$ he had been engaged to$4$ her about a week, and 113:190,21[A ]| that$3$ preparations had already been made for$4$ their approaching 113:190,22[A ]| marriage. 113:190,23@a | "Was your engagement to$4$ her generally known?" 113:190,23[A ]| I asked. 113:190,24@b | "Only to$4$ one or two individuals," 113:190,24[A ]| was the reply. 113:190,25@a | "Had you any rival in$4$ the young lady's affections?" 113:190,25[A ]| I next 113:190,26[A ]| inquired. 113:190,27@b | "Yes, one; Mr%*McDonald the clown had been very attentive 113:190,28@b | to$4$ her, and asked her to$9$ marry him the very day after 113:190,29@b | she had accepted me. Lucy told me that$3$ he was sadly put 113:190,30@b | out about it, and had said that$3$ ""she should not marry me 113:190,31@b | at all."" " 113:190,32@a | "And did this Mr%*McDonald know the position of her 113:190,33@a | bedroom?" 113:190,34@b | "He did." 113:190,35@a | "Then I must have an interview with him," 113:190,35[A ]| I remarked, 113:190,36[A ]| and quitted the room. 113:190,37[A ]| ~~ ~~ ~ ~ 113:190,38[A ]| The inquest was held on$4$ the following morning; the 113:190,39[A ]| medical evidence went to$9$ prove that$3$ deceased had met her 113:191,01[A ]| death 113:191,01@x | "from concussion of the brain, caused by$4$ a blow on$4$ 113:191,02@x | the left temple with a blunt instrument," 113:191,02[A ]| and after half an 113:191,03[A ]| hour's consideration the jury returned a verdict as follows: ~~ 113:191,04@x | "We, the jury, find that$3$ Lucy*Floyd, \alias\ Louise*Duroc, 113:191,05@x | died at South*Adelaide, on$4$ Thursday the 15th December, 1855, 113:191,06@x | of concussion of the brain ~~ the said concussion having been 113:191,07@x | caused from a blow from a blunt instrument, in$4$ an attempt 113:191,08@x | to$9$ commit grievous bodily harm; and we further find a 113:191,09@x | verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons 113:191,10@x | unknown." 113:191,11[A ]| Directly I learnt the finding of the jury, accompanied by$4$ 113:191,12[A ]| two constables, I proceeded to$4$ the lodgings of McDonald the 113:191,13[A ]| clown, which$6#1$ I had had watched closely for$4$ the preceding 113:191,14[A ]| twenty-four hours, and a few minutes later I stood in$4$ his 113:191,15[A ]| presence. 113:191,16[A ]| McDonald had just finished breakfast, and was now leaning 113:191,17[A ]| back in$4$ an arm chair by$4$ the open window, reading the 113:191,18[A ]| \Advertiser\. He dropped the paper on$4$ the floor as we entered 113:191,19[A ]| the room, and regarded us nervously. 113:191,20[A ]| Without saying a word, I walked to$4$ the window, closed the 113:191,21[A ]| sash and drew down the blind; then turning to$4$ him abruptly, 113:191,22[A ]| I demanded, 113:191,22@a | "What is your name?" 113:191,23@c | "Joseph*McDonald," 113:191,23[A ]| he answered. 113:191,24@a | "Otherwise ""the great little Borello,"" clown in$4$ the Cirque*de*l'Emperatrice?" 113:191,25@a | 113:191,26@c | "The same." 113:191,27@a | "Then I arrest you for$4$ the murder of Lucy*Floyd, \alias\ 113:191,28@a | Louise*Duroc," 113:191,28[A ]| I said, sternly. 113:191,29[A ]| The most close observer would not have noticed the slightest 113:191,30[A ]| alteration in$4$ his countenance as I made the charge, for$3$ he had 113:191,31[A ]| only taken a minute or so$5#2$ to$9$ recover his self-possession. He 113:191,32[A ]| was about to$9$ reply, when I cautioned him that$3$ 113:191,32@a | "what he was 113:191,33@a | going to$9$ say might possibly criminate him, and that$3$, in$4$ that$6#2$ 113:191,34@a | case, such statements would be used against him," 113:191,34[A ]| whereupon 113:191,35[A ]| he merely remarked, 113:191,35@c | "that$3$ we must be precious fools to$9$ take 113:191,36@c | him for$4$ a murderer" 113:191,36[A ]| and relapsed into dignified silence. 113:191,37[A ]| I had him searched, but nothing suspicious was found on$4$ 113:191,38[A ]| his person. I then clapped the irons on$4$ him, and we began 113:191,39[A ]| to$9$ thoroughly overhaul the apartments. 113:192,01[A ]| After an hour's search, during which$6#1$ time we turned everything 113:192,02[A ]| topsy-turvy, and effectually ransacked the most remote 113:192,03[A ]| corners, we gave up$5$ the investigation, rather chagrined, for$3$, 113:192,04[A ]| with the exception of a heavy, old, flint-locked pistol, we 113:192,05[A ]| found nothing calculated to$9$ strengthen the suspicion against 113:192,06[A ]| our prisoner. 113:192,07[A ]| The pistol in$4$ question had evidently not been loaded for$4$ a 113:192,08[A ]| long while; but its brass inlaid stock was well adapted to$9$ 113:192,09[A ]| give a heavy and fatal blow, even if wielded by$4$ a weak arm, 113:192,10[A ]| and for$4$ that$6#2$ reason I put it into my pocket. 113:192,11[A ]| We were now about to$9$ leave the house with our prisoner, 113:192,12[A ]| when the idea struck me that$3$ I would rake out the embers 113:192,13[A ]| of the fire, and search amongst the ashes. I proceeded to$9$ do 113:192,14[A ]| so$5#2$, and was rewarded by$4$ finding several scraps of half-consumed 113:192,15[A ]| leather, and more than eight dozen nearly red-hot 113:192,16[A ]| nails, such as are used in$4$ the manufacture of rough country-men's 113:192,17[A ]| blucher boots. 113:192,18[A ]| I carefully collected these fragments of leather and the 113:192,19[A ]| nails, cooled the latter by$4$ pouring cold water over them, 113:192,20[A ]| screwed them up$5$ in$4$ a piece of paper, and then instructing 113:192,21[A ]| one of the constables to$9$ call a cab, we bundled McDonald 113:192,22[A ]| into it, and drove him to$4$ the police-station. 113:192,23[A ]| During the drive, and whilst we were putting him into 113:192,24[A ]| his cell, he did not utter a word. His bearing was firm and 113:192,25[A ]| composed, and he certainly wore the air of an injured man; 113:192,26[A ]| yet I felt certain that$3$ he was the criminal. 113:192,27[A ]| The next day he was brought before the magistrates, but 113:192,28[A ]| the testimony against him was so$5#1$ slight that$3$ he was discharged, 113:192,29[A ]| and the justices would not even grant a remand 113:192,30[A ]| that$3$ I might have time to$9$ strengthen the chain of evidence. 113:192,31[A ]| They, in$4$ fact, paid McDonald the compliment of telling him 113:192,32[A ]| that$3$ 113:192,32@x | "he would leave the court without a shadow of suspicion 113:192,33@x | upon$4$ his name." 113:192,34@c | "Mr%*Brooke, I wish you good morning," 113:192,34[A ]| he said, turning 113:192,35[A ]| towards me with a sarcastic smile, as he quitted the court. 113:192,36@a | "Good morning, Mr%*McDonald; we shall meet again 113:192,37@a | before long," 113:192,37[A ]| I said, spitefully, in$4$ reply. The next moment 113:192,38[A ]| he was gone. 113:192,39[A ]| That$6#2$ night I visited the circus. McDonald was there in$4$ 113:193,01[A ]| his clown's dress as "the great little Borello," and received 113:193,02[A ]| a perfect ovation from the audience, not a soul of whom 113:193,03[A ]| thought him guilty of the murder. Had I been recognised, 113:193,04[A ]| no$2$ doubt I should have come in$5$ for$4$ a due share of hisses, 113:193,05[A ]| but being in$4$ disguise I escaped notice. The circus was 113:193,06[A ]| crowded, and during the performance the proprietor announced 113:193,07[A ]| that$3$ on$4$ the following evening "great little Borello" 113:193,08[A ]| would take his benefit, whereupon the thunders of applause 113:193,09[A ]| were renewed, and McDonald had thrice to$9$ appear from 113:193,10[A ]| behind the scenes and bow his acknowledgements. 113:193,11[A ]| Well, the next day came; and in$4$ spite of the discharge, 113:193,12[A ]| ovation, and benefit, the clown had disappeared, leaving his 113:193,13[A ]| stage wardrobe, personal baggage, and a month's arrears of 113:193,14[A ]| salary behind him. He had left secretly, and without 113:193,15[A ]| informing a soul of the object of his journey, or whither he 113:193,16[A ]| was going. The proprietor of the circus was in$4$ consternation, 113:193,17[A ]| and everybody seemed to$9$ think that$3$ he had either been 113:193,18[A ]| murdered or had committed suicide. 113:193,19[A ]| I alone dissented from these views, for$3$ I jumped to$4$ the 113:193,20[A ]| conclusion that$3$, stricken with a sudden panic, perhaps also 113:193,21[A ]| with remorse, he had fled either to$4$ another colony or into 113:193,22[A ]| the far interior. 113:193,23[A ]| That$3$ he had not quitted South*Australia I speedily ascertained; 113:193,24[A ]| for$3$ upon$4$ making inquiries at the port, I found that$3$ 113:193,25[A ]| the only ship that$6#1$ had left the harbour for$4$ the preceding four-and-twenty 113:193,26[A ]| hours was the \Kiama\, bound for$4$ Melbourne, and 113:193,27[A ]| that$3$ no*one at all answering McDonald's description had 113:193,28[A ]| taken a passage in$4$ her. 113:193,29[A ]| I did not care to$9$ prosecute my search further at present, 113:193,30[A ]| for$3$ if I could have discovered his whereabouts, the magistrates 113:193,31[A ]| would not have issued a warrant for$4$ his re-arrest; so$3$ I 113:193,32[A ]| determined to$9$ set about strengthening the evidence before I 113:193,33[A ]| again assumed the offensive. 113:193,34[A ]| The only things I had at present to$9$ go upon$4$ were the 113:193,35[A ]| scraps of half-consumed leather, and the nails that$6#1$ I had 113:193,36[A ]| fished out of the fire. I knew that$3$ the leather belonged to$4$ 113:193,37[A ]| a thick labourer's pair of boots, and the nails were the \hob\ 113:193,38[A ]| and \clinker\ nails pertaining to$4$ such boots. I had dug one 113:193,39[A ]| of the footprints out of the garden pathway, where it had 113:194,01[A ]| been embedded in$4$ the stiff clay, which$6#1$ had taken its impression 113:194,02[A ]| as clearly as wax could do the wards of a lock, and 113:194,03[A ]| I now set to$4$ work to$9$ fit in$5$ my nails into this clay model. 113:194,04[A ]| To$9$ make my readers more clearly understand this I must 113:194,05[A ]| explain to$4$ them that$3$ clinker nails are such as surround the 113:194,06[A ]| edges of the sole and heel of a boot of this class. Their 113:194,07[A ]| heads are nearly square, and almost as large as the smallest 113:194,08[A ]| size of dice. Hob nails, on$4$ the contrary, are round-headed, 113:194,09[A ]| and are generally arranged in$4$ some fantastic design on$4$ the 113:194,10[A ]| flat of the sole, such as a diamond or a star. Thus it is 113:194,11[A ]| evident that$3$ the clinker nails would mark the outline and 113:194,12[A ]| size of the boot, and that$3$ if I could make half the clinker 113:194,13[A ]| and hob nails that$6#1$ I had got from McDonald's grate fit into 113:194,14[A ]| the corresponding holes in$4$ the clay footprint dug from the 113:194,15[A ]| garden pathway, it would go far to$9$ prove that$3$ the boots to$4$ 113:194,16[A ]| which$6#1$ they belonged were those worn by$4$ the man who$6#1$ had 113:194,17[A ]| crossed the garden, scaled the spout, entered the window, 113:194,18[A ]| and murdered the young girl at the lodging-house in$4$ Brownlow*Street. 113:194,19[A ]| 113:194,20[A ]| I was an hour at this little job, but it was crowned with 113:194,21[A ]| complete success. The indents in$4$ my clay model were every 113:194,22[A ]| one filled up$5$, and it had taken exactly half my nails (forty-eight) 113:194,23[A ]| to$9$ effect this. To$4$ me the boot mystery was solved. 113:194,24[A ]| I now turned my attention to$4$ the pistol, and surveyed it 113:194,25[A ]| carefully, though with very slight hopes of discovering anything 113:194,26[A ]| condemnatory in$4$ that$6#2$. A blow from a blunt instrument 113:194,27[A ]| is difficult to$9$ trace to$4$ \the\ instrument causing it. In$4$ the 113:194,28[A ]| instance of a knife or dagger stab, you may discover a weapon 113:194,29[A ]| of the kind that$6#1$ fits the wound. In$4$ a case of death from a 113:194,30[A ]| bullet you may find a rifle or pistol carrying a similar sized ball. 113:194,31[A ]| In$4$ both cases such a discovery would be valuable evidence; 113:194,32[A ]| but in$4$ the present instance the deceased might have been 113:194,33[A ]| killed by$4$ a blow from \any\ blunt instrument ~~ a hammer, a 113:194,34[A ]| fire-iron, or a ruler; so$3$ I could not convince myself that$3$ 113:194,35[A ]| McDonald's pistol would throw any light upon$4$ the subject. 113:194,36[A ]| I was just about to$9$ return the cumbrous old weapon to$4$ the 113:194,37[A ]| drawer from whence I had taken it, when I observed three 113:194,38[A ]| or four short hairs sticking to$4$ the rough ribbed stock. They 113:194,39[A ]| were all about the fourth of an inch in$4$ length, or a pale 113:195,01[A ]| golden colour, and might possibly have once belonged to$4$ a 113:195,02[A ]| human eyebrow. 113:195,03[A ]| I picked them off carefully, wrapped them in$4$ a piece of 113:195,04[A ]| silk paper, and sallied out to$9$ obtain the loan of a very powerful 113:195,05[A ]| microscope. 113:195,06[A ]| Now it happened that$3$ for$4$ the past two years I had given 113:195,07[A ]| considerable attention to$4$ comparative anatomy, particularly 113:195,08[A ]| to$4$ the structure of the hair as it appears under the microscope. 113:195,09[A ]| To$4$ the naked eye, indeed, all hair presents a pretty 113:195,10[A ]| similar appearance, except as it is long or short, dark or fair, 113:195,11[A ]| straight or curly, coarse or fine. Placed under a microscope, 113:195,12[A ]| however, other peculiarities are noticeable. The white man's 113:195,13[A ]| hair is seen to$9$ be round, whereas the black man's is oval. 113:195,14[A ]| The mouse's fur is apparently jointed, the bat's jagged, &c% 113:195,15[A ]| Every species of animal has hair of a peculiar kind; but in$4$ 113:195,16[A ]| the human race the character of the hair varies according to$4$ 113:195,17[A ]| the part of the body upon$4$ which$6#1$ it grows. You can distinguish 113:195,18[A ]| a hair plucked from the eyebrow from a hair of the 113:195,19[A ]| moustache, an eyelash from a hair of the beard or whisker. 113:195,20[A ]| In$4$ the present instance, although I could not get the 113:195,21[A ]| loan of a sufficiently strong microscope, I obtained from an 113:195,22[A ]| optician permission to$9$ use one that$6#1$ stood in$4$ his shop, and 113:195,23[A ]| submiting my three hairs to$4$ its powerful lens, I soon discovered 113:195,24[A ]| that$3$ they were from the \human eyebrow\, and \had\ 113:195,25[A ]| \been bruised\. 113:195,26[A ]| Making a note to$4$ this effect, I refolded the hairs in$4$ the 113:195,27[A ]| paper which$6#1$ had previously contained them, returned them 113:195,28[A ]| to$4$ my pocket, and thanking the optician for$4$ his courtesy, 113:195,29[A ]| quitted the shop. 113:195,30[A ]| In$4$ my opinion the guilt of McDonald was now clear 113:195,31[A ]| beyond a doubt. The case stood thus; ~~ the deceased had 113:195,32[A ]| been killed by$4$ a blow with some blunt instrument on$4$ the 113:195,33[A ]| eyebrow. The murder had not been committed for$4$ the sake 113:195,34[A ]| of robbery, as the purse, watch, and rings had been left on$4$ 113:195,35[A ]| the table untouched. It must therefore have been done for$4$ 113:195,36[A ]| the sake of revenge; and McDonald, as a rejected suitor, 113:195,37[A ]| was the most likely man to$9$ seek that$6#2$ vengeance. Then the 113:195,38[A ]| hair and eyebrows of the murdered girl were of a beautiful 113:195,39[A ]| golden brown, and the hairs I had picked from the stock of 113:196,01[A ]| McDonald's pistol were of a precisely similar colour, and I 113:196,02[A ]| had proved them to$9$ be eyebrow hairs and \bruised\. The 113:196,03[A ]| clinker and hob nails, too, evidently belonged to$4$ the boots of 113:196,04[A ]| the man who$6#1$ had crossed the lodging-house garden and 113:196,05[A ]| broken into the girl's room, and here were these same nails 113:196,06[A ]| and burnt shoe leather found in$4$ the fireplace of McDonald's 113:196,07[A ]| sitting-room. The mere fact of his trying to$9$ burn these old 113:196,08[A ]| shoes was calculated to$9$ arouse grave suspicions, as it was the 113:196,09[A ]| very last way of getting rid of them that$6#1$ a man possessing 113:196,10[A ]| the sense of smell would adopt. 113:196,11[A ]| I went to$4$ a justice forthwith, acquainted him with the 113:196,12[A ]| additional evidence that$6#1$ I had obtained, and pressed him to$9$ 113:196,13[A ]| grant me another warrant for$4$ the clown's arrest. 113:196,14[A ]| He at length complied, and I then made him promise to$9$ 113:196,15[A ]| keep his having done so$5#2$ a secret for$4$ a while, or that$3$ else I 113:196,16[A ]| might find it a very difficult matter to$9$ discover McDonald's 113:196,17[A ]| whereabouts and bring him to$4$ justice. 113:196,18[A ]| No$2$ sooner had I fortified myself with this warrant than I 113:196,19[A ]| began to$9$ make an attempt at recapture; but a couple of 113:196,20[A ]| days' investigation convinced me that$3$ if I would lay hands 113:196,21[A ]| on$4$ "the great little Borello" again, I must hit upon$4$ some 113:196,22[A ]| scheme to$9$ entice him back to$4$ Adelaide, instead of myself 113:196,23[A ]| going to$9$ seek him in$4$ the country. I accordingly penned a 113:196,24[A ]| paragraph for$4$ the Adelaide daily paper, which$6#1$ ran, as nearly 113:196,25[A ]| as I can recollect, as follows: ~~ 113:196,26@z | "THE MYSTERIOUS MURDER IN$4$ BROWNLOW*STREET. ~~ 113:196,27@z | After a week's untiring efforts on$4$ the part of the police, 113:196,28@z | there exists a hope that$3$ the assassin of poor Madlle%*Louise*Duroc 113:196,29@z | will$1$ yet be discovered and brought to$4$ justice. The 113:196,30@z | detective force are in$4$ possession of information which$6#1$ seems 113:196,31@z | clearly to$9$ inculpate one Charles*Henley, formerly a banking 113:196,32@z | clerk in$4$ Adelaide, who$6#1$ sailed for$4$ England in$4$ the barque 113:196,33@z | \Cornubia\ the day after the murder. A riding whip with 113:196,34@z | a heavy silver handle, bearing the crest and initials of Mr%*Henley, 113:196,35@z | has been discovered in$4$ an interstice of the chimney 113:196,36@z | of the bedchamber occupied by$4$ deceased, and a witness has 113:196,37@z | come forward who$6#1$ states that$3$ he saw him talking with her 113:196,38@z | outside the circus the night that$6#1$ the murder was perpetrated. 113:197,01@z | Upon$4$ these as well as other grounds of suspicion, the 113:197,02@z | authorities feel convinced that$3$ Mr%*Henley is the murderer; 113:197,03@z | and Mr%*Brooke, chief of the detective staff, starts by$4$ the 113:197,04@z | mail steamer to-morrow for$4$ England, where doubtless he 113:197,05@z | will$1$ arrive some weeks before the \Cornubia\, as that$6#2$ vessel 113:197,06@z | is reported to$9$ be a slow sailer. Thus Henley will$1$ be arrested 113:197,07@z | before he can have a chance of landing, and he will$1$ be 113:197,08@z | brought back to$4$ Adelaide to$9$ stand his trial in$4$ the first ship 113:197,09@z | that$6#1$ quits England for$4$ this port after his arrest." 113:197,10[A ]| Two days after the insertion of the above paragraph I drew 113:197,11[A ]| up$5$ an advertisement to$4$ the following effect: ~~ 113:197,12@z | "WANTED, the address of MR%*JOSEPH*MCDONALD, 113:197,13@z | late of Mary*Street, Hampstead*Road, London, who$6#1$ left 113:197,14@z | England about eight years since, and who$6#1$ is believed to$9$ be 113:197,15@z | now travelling with a circus in$4$ the Australian colonies. If 113:197,16@z | his address is forwarded to$4$, or if he will$1$ call at, the office of 113:197,17@z | Mr%*James*Robinson, solicitor, 19, Hindley*Street, Adelaide, 113:197,18@z | who$6#1$ is acting under power of attorney for$4$ the late Mr%*Fergus*McDonald, 113:197,19@z | of Maidstone, Kent, he will$1$ hear of something 113:197,20@z | greatly to$4$ his advantage." 113:197,21[A ]| This advertisement I ordered to$9$ be inserted in$4$ the same 113:197,22[A ]| paper for$4$ a week, and sent copies of it for$4$ publication in$4$ the 113:197,23[A ]| Melbourne and Sydney papers. 113:197,24[A ]| I had every hope that$3$ this stratagem would succeed in$4$ 113:197,25[A ]| bringing Master*McDonald back to$4$ Adelaide, for$3$ the former 113:197,26[A ]| paragraph would show him that$3$ all suspicion as to$4$ the 113:197,27[A ]| murder was directed into another channel and that$3$ no*one 113:197,28[A ]| would for$4$ a moment doubt his innocence; while the latter 113:197,29[A ]| advertisement would appeal strongly to$4$ his cupidity, and, in$4$ 113:197,30[A ]| fact, present a bait which$6#1$, to$4$ one less proof against temptation 113:197,31[A ]| than the good St%*Anthony would be next to$4$ impossible 113:197,32[A ]| to$9$ refrain from biting at. 113:197,33[A ]| As for$4$ the chance of his not seeing these notices, I did not 113:197,34[A ]| regard that$6#2$, for$3$ I knew by$4$ experience that$3$ most criminals read 113:197,35[A ]| attentively every newspaper they can lay hold of, in$4$ which$6#1$ it is 113:197,36[A ]| at all likely that$3$ any paragraph may concern themselves; for$3$ 113:197,37[A ]| they are anxious to$9$ know as early and as exactly as possible 113:198,01[A ]| what is said and known about themselves or their crime, so$3$ 113:198,02[A ]| that$3$ they may act accordingly. I was therefore quite as 113:198,03[A ]| certain that$3$, if living, McDonald would read the paragraph 113:198,04[A ]| and advertisement, as I was that$3$ I had written them, and 113:198,05[A ]| events proved that$3$ my conviction was correct. 113:198,06[A ]| Of course, before framing the above advertisement I took 113:198,07[A ]| care to$9$ learn some of McDonald's antecedents; and the Mr%*Fergus*McDonald 113:198,08[A ]| whose name I borrowed for$4$ the occasion 113:198,09[A ]| was an uncle of the clown, a very wealthy old bachelor, who$6#1$, 113:198,10[A ]| at the time I made so$5#1$ free with his name, was very probably 113:198,11[A ]| enjoying as perfect health as myself. 113:198,12[A ]| Some of these facts I gathered from the proprietor of the 113:198,13[A ]| circus, others I obtained from more secret but not less authentic 113:198,14[A ]| sources. The solicitor named was a personal friend 113:198,15[A ]| of my own, who$6#1$ had volunteered to$9$ aid me in$4$ the intrigue. 113:198,16[A ]| Of course the paragraph concerning Henley was entirely a 113:198,17[A ]| fabrication. 113:198,18[A ]| Nine days after the first insertion of the advertisement I 113:198,19[A ]| received information that$3$ McDonald had returned to$4$ Adelaide. 113:198,20[A ]| I knew that$3$ it was past Mr%*Robinson's office hours, so$3$ 113:198,21[A ]| I doubted not but that$3$ if he called at that$6#2$ gentleman's chambers, 113:198,22[A ]| finding them closed, he would make a point of going 113:198,23[A ]| there again the first thing the next morning. I therefore 113:198,24[A ]| merely ordered two of my aides to$9$ watch him closely, but by$4$ 113:198,25[A ]| no$2$ means to$9$ let him catch them at it, and then waiting until 113:198,26[A ]| it was quite dark, I took a car and drove to$4$ Mr%*Robinson's 113:198,27[A ]| private residence, where we arranged that$3$ he should be at 113:198,28[A ]| his chambers half an hour earlier than usual on$4$ the following 113:198,29[A ]| morning, and hide me in$4$ a large cupboard, from whence I 113:198,30[A ]| could spring out and capture my man at a moment's notice. 113:198,31[A ]| Well, the next day came, and this little plot was carried 113:198,32[A ]| into execution. Just as the clock struck ten, a step in$4$ the 113:198,33[A ]| outer office was audible, and we heard a man asking the 113:198,34[A ]| clerk if Mr%*Robinson was in$5$? I at once rushed to$4$ my 113:198,35[A ]| cupboard, for$3$ I recognised McDonald's voice, and the next 113:198,36[A ]| moment that$6#2$ worthy was duly ushered into the private office. 113:198,37[A ]| The solicitor bowed, requested him to$9$ be seated, and then 113:198,38[A ]| getting up$5$, locked the door and put the key in$4$ his pocket, 113:198,39[A ]| observing as he did so$5#2$, 113:198,39@d | "My dear Mr%*McDonald, the business 113:199,01@d | relating to$4$ your deceased uncle's affairs may require a 113:199,02@d | long interview, so$3$ I take the precaution against being disturbed 113:199,03@d | by$4$ importunate clients," 113:199,03[A ]| with which$6#1$ words he resumed 113:199,04[A ]| his chair. 113:199,05[A ]| From my place of concealment I could, through a crack in$4$ 113:199,06[A ]| the cupboard door, see all that$6#1$ passed in$4$ the office. Mr%*Robinson 113:199,07[A ]| had reseated himself with a bland smile, and 113:199,08[A ]| McDonald fidgeted himself about in$4$ his chair, anxiously 113:199,09[A ]| awaiting an explanation from the lawyer. A few moments' 113:199,10[A ]| pause ensued, which$6#1$ I took advantage of to$9$ note the appearance 113:199,11[A ]| of the 9ci-devant clown. He was stylishly dressed, 113:199,12[A ]| sported a silver-headed cane, a heavy Colonial gold Albert 113:199,13[A ]| chain, and wore two or three costly rings on$4$ his fingers. He 113:199,14[A ]| looked well up$5$ in$4$ condition, too; his face was ruddy with 113:199,15[A ]| health, his hair, whiskers, and moustache carefully oiled and 113:199,16[A ]| curled; andthough decidedly a \little\ man (he could not have 113:199,17[A ]| stood more than five feet three in$4$ his boots), he never looked 113:199,18[A ]| so$5#1$ \big\ in$4$ his life. 113:199,19@c | "You see I have taken the very earliest opportunity of 113:199,20@c | calling upon$4$ you, Mr%*Robinson," 113:199,20[A ]| he said. 113:199,21@d | "Yes, Mr%*McDonald, I wish one-half of my clients came 113:199,22@d | on$4$ so$5#1$ happy an errand; you are a most fortunate young man. 113:199,23@d | It is not every*one that$6#1$ has rich relatives at their finger ends," 113:199,24[A ]| replied the attorney, turning over and over his papers as 113:199,25[A ]| though searching for$4$ a document. 113:199,26@c | "Did my uncle make his will$0$ long before his death, sir?" 113:199,27[A ]| asked the clown. 113:199,28@d | "My dear sir, he made no$2$ will$0$, he died intestate; accordingly 113:199,29@d | you are possessed of the whole of his property as his 113:199,30@d | heir-at-law." 113:199,31@c | "And his moneys?" 113:199,32@d | "Yes, and his moneys; everything, in$4$ fact, that$6#1$ he died 113:199,33@d | possessed of." 113:199,34@c | "The devil I am!" 113:199,34[A ]| exclaimed "the great little Borello," 113:199,35[A ]| springing from his chair and beginning to$9$ dance about the 113:199,36[A ]| room, while he kept shouting, 113:199,36@c | "What did he die worth?" 113:199,37@c | "What did he die worth?" 113:199,38@d | "Forty thousand pounds in$4$ the three per*cent% Consols, 113:199,39@d | twenty thousand ditto in$4$ East*India stock, nine thousand in$4$ 113:200,01@d | railway debentures, ten thousand pounds on$4$ policy of insurance 113:200,02@d | in$4$ ""The*London*Equitable,"" freehold estates at Maidstone, 113:200,03@d | Kent, and Blackheath, valued at two thousand a year 113:200,04@d | rent, cash in$4$ London and Westminster*Bank at time of 113:200,05@d | decease eight hundred and fifty-six pounds seven shillings 113:200,06@d | and ~~ " 113:200,07@c | "Stop ~~ stop ~~ stop! impossible! nonsense!" 113:200,07[A ]| exclaimed 113:200,08[A ]| the clown, suddenly recovering himself after a double somersault, 113:200,09[A ]| and with open mouth and wondering eyes regarding 113:200,10[A ]| the attorney. 113:200,10@c | "Why, man, my uncle, rich as he was, could 113:200,11@c | never have saved a quarter of that$6#2$ money. There must be a 113:200,12@c | mistake somewhere." 113:200,13@a | "There is a mistake somewhere, Mr%*McDonald," 113:200,13[A ]| I calmly 113:200,14[A ]| observed, as I emerged from the closet. 113:200,15@c | "The deuce! Mr%*Brooke here in$4$ Adelaide? Why, I 113:200,16@c | thought you were half way to$4$ England by$4$ this time, in$4$ pursuit 113:200,17@c | of the murderer Henley," 113:200,17[A ]| exclaimed McDonald, endeavouring 113:200,18[A ]| to$9$ assume an off-hand tone. 113:200,19@a | "You see it is a mistake all round, mate, for$3$ the fact is 113:200,20@a | that$3$ I have stayed in$4$ South*Australia on$4$ purpose to$9$ capture the 113:200,21@a | murderer McDonald," 113:200,21[A ]| I replied, coolly. 113:200,22@c | "But my uncle ~~ his property ~~ the advertisement in$4$ the 113:200,23@c | \Register\, ~~ what the fury does it all mean?" 113:200,24@a | "A neat little trick to$9$ induce you to$9$ put your head into 113:200,25@a | the lion's mouth, that$6#2$ is all: you are my prisoner." 113:200,26@c | "Your prisoner? Fudge! You arrested me once before, 113:200,27@c | and could prove nothing: why make a fool of yourself 113:200,28@c | again?" 113:200,28[A ]| exclaimed the clown, dodging me around the table. 113:200,29@a | "Since then additional evidence has been obtained, which$6#1$ 113:200,30@a | warrants a fresh arrest; therefore surrender yourself quietly, 113:200,31@a | or I shall resort to$4$ force," 113:200,31[A ]| I said. 113:200,32@c | "Take that$6#2$, and he hanged to$4$ you; two can play at that$6#2$ 113:200,33@c | game," 113:200,33[A ]| was the reply; and quickly drawing a small pistol 113:200,34[A ]| from his pocket, he fired it point-blank at my face. 113:200,35[A ]| Providentially the cap missed fire; had it not, I should 113:200,36[A ]| never have lived to$9$ relate this tale. Before he could recap 113:200,37[A ]| his weapon, I was down upon$4$ him. A fierce struggle ensued; 113:200,38[A ]| for$3$ though McDonald was a little man, he was very muscular, 113:200,39[A ]| and as slippery as an eel. Robinson made no$2$ effort to$9$ assist 113:201,01[A ]| me, either from nervousness or a love of fair play, I do not 113:201,02[A ]| know which$6#1$, so$3$ I give him the credit of the doubt. 113:201,03[A ]| For$4$ some minutes we struggled furiously upsetting chairs, 113:201,04[A ]| stools, desks, and ink-bottles. At last I succeeded in$4$ tripping 113:201,05[A ]| the clown up$5$, and throwing him heavily on$4$ his back, 113:201,06[A ]| Before he could rise, I planted my knee on$4$ his chest, and 113:201,07[A ]| put the handcuffs on$4$ him. I then suffered him to$9$ scramble 113:201,08[A ]| to$4$ his feet, and found him quiet enough. A cab was soon 113:201,09[A ]| summoned by$4$ one of the clerks, and pushing my prisoner 113:201,10[A ]| into it, we drove to$4$ the police station. 113:201,11[A ]| The next morning McDonald was taken before a magistrate, 113:201,12[A ]| who$6#1$, upon$4$ the evidence of the footprints and the 113:201,13[A ]| bruised hair, committed him for$4$ trial at the approaching 113:201,14[A ]| sittings of the criminal court. 113:201,15[A ]| The day previous to$4$ the one fixed for$4$ his trial, he tried to$9$ 113:201,16[A ]| escape from his cell by$4$ a violent and sudden assault upon$4$ 113:201,17[A ]| the turnkey who$6#1$ brought him his supper, but the effort was 113:201,18[A ]| not crowned with success. 113:201,19[A ]| When the day of trial arrived, and the case of "The Queen 113:201,20[A ]| v% McDonald" was called on$5$, the supreme criminal court 113:201,21[A ]| was crammed to$4$ suffocation. The calmest face amid that$6#2$ 113:201,22[A ]| multitude was the prisoner's. The trial lasted six hours. I 113:201,23[A ]| had a great difficulty in$4$ making the jury believe that$3$ the 113:201,24[A ]| three golden hairs found on$4$ the stock of the pistol could be 113:201,25[A ]| ascertained to$9$ be "bruised hairs from a human eyebrow," but 113:201,26[A ]| the evidence of an eminent naturalist, happening fully to$9$ 113:201,27[A ]| substantiate mine on$4$ the subject, and upon$4$ the assurance of 113:201,28[A ]| the judge that$3$ such a discovery was perfectly within the 113:201,29[A ]| reach of natural science, removed their doubts. The evidence 113:201,30[A ]| of the clinker and hob nails was, however, much more 113:201,31[A ]| satisfactory and intelligible to$4$ them. After being locked up$5$ 113:201,32[A ]| for$4$ three hours, they returned into court, and, amid a breathless 113:201,33[A ]| silence, the dread verdict of "GUILTY" was delivered 113:201,34[A ]| through their foreman. 113:201,35[A ]| The judge now asked the prisoner whether 113:201,35@w | "he had 113:201,36@w | any reason to$9$ urge that$3$ the sentence of the court should 113:201,37@w | not be passed upon$4$ him," 113:201,37[A ]| but McDonald merely shook his 113:201,38[A ]| head. 113:201,39[A ]| His honour then assumed the black cap, and delivered his 113:202,01[A ]| judgement, which$6#1$ the prisoner listened to$4$ with an appearance 113:202,02[A ]| of the most perfect apathy. Not a muscle of his face quivered; 113:202,03[A ]| nothing about him indicated that$3$ the sentence being 113:202,04[A ]| pronounced was the span of his life. It seemed as if his 113:202,05[A ]| crime and his condemnation did not concern him in$4$ the least 113:202,06[A ]| degree. As he was removed from court his only words were, 113:202,07@c | "What is to$9$ be will$1$ be. We are all in$4$ the hands of fate." 113:202,08[A ]| At a later date, when informed that$3$ a petition he had fowarded 113:202,09[A ]| to$4$ the Government had been rejected, he preserved 113:202,10[A ]| the same stoicism and indifference. 113:202,11[A ]| At five o'clock on$4$ the evening preceding his execution the 113:202,12[A ]| gaol chaplain visited McDonald in$4$ his cell, reminded him 113:202,13[A ]| that$3$ he had but a few hours to$9$ live, and urged him to$4$ confession 113:202,14[A ]| and repentance. The prisoner, who$6#1$ was fast asleep when 113:202,15[A ]| the chaplain entered, awoke with a cry, and sprang to$4$ his 113:202,16[A ]| feet. He listened attentively to$4$ the worthy pastor's exhortations, 113:202,17[A ]| and at length suddenly exclaimed, 113:202,17@c | "Yes, I will$1$ confess. 113:202,18@c | I did murder Louise*Duroc, and I deserve this fate. 113:202,19@c | I now feel the horror of my crime!" 113:202,20[A ]| He then made a full revelation, stating that$3$ 113:202,20@c | "Mademoiselle*Duroc 113:202,21@c | had joined the circus at San*Franciso, that$3$ he had from 113:202,22@c | the first loved her deeply, and that$3$ until the arrival of the circus 113:202,23@c | in$4$ Adelaide ~~ a period of eleven months ~~ she had accepted 113:202,24@c | his addresses. Here, however, she had accused him of being 113:202,25@c | a \9roue=\ and a hard drinker, and insisted on$4$ breaking off the 113:202,26@c | engagement. A day later she consented to$9$ marry a young 113:202,27@c | man, the son of her lodging-house keeper, whom she had not 113:202,28@c | known for$4$ more than a week. She had informed McDonald 113:202,29@c | in$4$ a letter of her intention to$9$ marry this young man, but he, 113:202,30@c | fancying that$3$ she was not in$4$ earnest, begged and prayed of 113:202,31@c | her to$9$ revoke her determination. She repelled his overtures 113:202,32@c | with scorn and sarcasm, and he threatened her that$3$ if she 113:202,33@c | would not marry him she should never wed any*one else. 113:202,34@c | When he quitted her that$6#2$ night he determined to$9$ be avenged, 113:202,35@c | and watching her bedroom window until the light was extinguished, 113:202,36@c | he proceeded to$4$ the circus, procured a large pair 113:202,37@c | of ""property"" boots, and then returning to$4$ the lodging-house, 113:202,38@c | he crossed the garden from the right of way, mounted to$4$ the 113:202,39@c | ill-fated girl's window by$4$ means of the waterpipe, and entering 113:203,01@c | the room dragged her out of bed ~~ with one hand on$4$ her 113:203,02@c | mouth to$9$ prevent her from crying for$4$ help, ~~ and then felled 113:203,03@c | her to$4$ the floor with a blow from the stock of his pistol. To$4$ 113:203,04@c | his surprise he found that$3$ the first blow had killed her; a 113:203,05@c | fact which$6#1$ he attested by$4$ feeling her pulse and heart, both of 113:203,06@c | which$6#1$ had ceased to$9$ beat. Satisfied by$4$ the extent of his 113:203,07@c | revenge, he now quickly made good his escape from the 113:203,08@c | house and returned to$4$ his lodgings, where he sought forgetfulness 113:203,09@c | of the terrible crime he had committed in$4$ drink. He 113:203,10@c | was soon afterwards arrested, taken before the magistrates, 113:203,11@c | and discharged. After quitting the circus, which$6#1$ he did 113:203,12@c | under the impulse of a sudden panic, McDonald had gone 113:203,13@c | into the interior, ~~ so$5#1$ far that$3$ he would have been tolerably 113:203,14@c | safe from pursuit, had he not, unfortunately for$4$ himself, been 113:203,15@c | unable to$9$ abstain from visiting the shanties to$9$ glance at the 113:203,16@c | papers. On$4$ an unlucky day he noticed the paragraph I had 113:203,17@c | concocted concerning ""Henley, and my trip to$4$ England to$9$ 113:203,18@c | arrest him,"" and a few days later he came across the advertisement 113:203,19@c | for$4$ his discovery. Cajoled and thrown off his guard 113:203,20@c | by$4$ these, as I had anticipated that$3$ he would be, he discarded 113:203,21@c | his fears and set out at once for$4$ Adelaide, which$6#1$ city, 113:203,22@c | after a week's journey through the bush, and sundry adventures 113:203,23@c | on$4$ the way, he safely reached. So$5#1$ anxious was he to$9$ 113:203,24@c | learn what ""the something greatly to$4$ his advantage"" was, that$3$ 113:203,25@c | he called at the lawyer's within an hour of his arrival in$4$ 113:203,26@c | town. He was too late, the office was closed. The first 113:203,27@c | thing the following morning he called again ~~ to$9$ find, poor 113:203,28@c | fellow, that$3$ ""the something to$4$ his advantage"" was a prison 113:203,29@c | cell, the dock, and the gibbet." 113:203,30[A ]| After his confession to$4$ the chaplain, McDonald appeared 113:203,31[A ]| to$9$ be happier in$4$ mind. He slept very soundly the last night 113:203,32[A ]| of his life, and an hour previously to$4$ his execution he made 113:203,33[A ]| a hearty breakfast on$4$ bacon and eggs, which$6#1$ he had scarcely 113:203,34[A ]| concluded before the officials entered his cell to$9$ conduct him 113:203,35[A ]| to$4$ the place of doom. It was about ten o'clock when 113:203,36[A ]| McDonald mounted to$4$ the platform; his face was still calm, 113:203,37[A ]| but very pale. A dense crowd was collected to$9$ witness his 113:203,38[A ]| execution, but he seemed to$9$ take no$2$ notice of it. He shook 113:203,39[A ]| hands with the chaplain, and thanked him warmly for$4$ his 113:204,01[A ]| unremitting kindness and attention. He then felt the rope, 113:204,02[A ]| and said 113:204,02@c | "that$3$ it was very rough." 113:204,03[A ]| Before the executioner adjusted the noose, he turned to$4$ the 113:204,04[A ]| crowd and exclaimed in$4$ a loud, clear, and firm voice, 113:204,04@c | "I am 113:204,05@c | willing to$9$ die, for$3$ I richly deserve this terrible doom and 113:204,06@c | public shame, which$6#1$ I hope may partly atone for$4$ my sin. I 113:204,07@c | have only one caution to$9$ give you all: Beware of ungovernable 113:204,08@c | passion, and a desire for$4$ a retaliation of wrong; those feelings 113:204,09@c | brought me here!" 113:204,09[A ]| Then he added, solemnly, 113:204,09@c | "May God 113:204,10@c | have mercy on$4$ my soul!" 113:204,11[A ]| His arms were now pinioned, the noose adjusted, the white 113:204,12[A ]| cap drawn over his face. A second later the drop fell ~~ a jerk, 113:204,13[A ]| a gurgle, and all was over, ~~ Joseph*McDonald had ceased to$9$ 113:204,14[A ]| live and human justice was at length satisfied. 114:205,00@@@@@| 114:205,00[' ]| 114:205,01[A ]| In$4$ one of the quietest streets of the singularly quiet city of 114:205,02[A ]| Adelaide there stood, in$4$ the year 1855, a three-storied desolate 114:205,03[A ]| house, that$6#1$ had not possessed an occupant for$4$ more than five 114:205,04[A ]| years. Had I come across such a house in$4$ London, or any 114:205,05[A ]| English town, I should have set it down as being a very old 114:205,06[A ]| house, a soot-begrimed, leaky-roofed centenarian at the very 114:205,07[A ]| least; but in$4$ Adelaide, where at that$6#2$ time the very oldest 114:205,08[A ]| stone structure could not have been more than twenty years 114:205,09[A ]| in$4$ existence, I could only regard it as a prematurely aged 114:205,10[A ]| house, a house whose days were numbered, whose span of 114:205,11[A ]| life was rapidly drawing to$4$ a close. Had this house been a 114:205,12[A ]| man, I should have concluded him to$9$ be a monomaniac, a 114:205,13[A ]| hypochondriac, or something of that$6#2$ sort; as a house, of course, 114:205,14[A ]| I could do nothing of the sort. I have before said that$3$ it 114:205,15[A ]| was three stories high, and it happened to$9$ stand between two 114:205,16[A ]| heavy, squally-looking buildings, possessing only one story 114:205,17[A ]| each; consequently, a beholder might easily acquire the impression 114:205,18[A ]| that$3$ its altitude had been caused by$4$ the presence of 114:205,19[A ]| its sluggy neighbours against its sides. To$9$ conclude my 114:205,20[A ]| description, it had four lanky chimneys, which$6#1$ had apparently 114:205,21[A ]| eschewed smoking for$4$ years; and eight windows in$4$ the front 114:205,22[A ]| namely, two on$4$ the ground-floor, and an allowance of three 114:205,23[A ]| to$4$ each of the floors above. These windows had most of their 114:205,24[A ]| panes broken, but were all fortified on$4$ the inside with closed 114:205,25[A ]| rickety shutters, which$6#1$, if they excluded light and air, certainly 114:205,26[A ]| frustrated the curiosity of any passers*by to$9$ obtain a 114:205,27[A ]| view of the interior. 114:205,28[A ]| I might go on$5$ describing the peculiarities of this strange 114:205,29[A ]| building until I had filled pages of my manuscript, could I 114:206,01[A ]| but afford the space. If any of my readers are familiar with 114:206,02[A ]| Red*Lion*Square, Holborn; or Cumberland*Square, Clerkenwell, 114:206,03[A ]| they have only to$9$ imagine a house transferred from one 114:206,04[A ]| of those localities, and plumped down suddenly into the 114:206,05[A ]| middle of a new colonial city, and they can picture to$4$ themselves 114:206,06[A ]| No%*19, South*Charlotte*Street to$4$ the very life. 114:206,07[A ]| During the first twelve months that$6#1$ I was stationed at 114:206,08[A ]| Adelaide I used to$9$ wonder why this house was never let; 114:206,09[A ]| and as often as I happened to$9$ pass it, whch was pretty frequently, 114:206,10[A ]| I used to$9$ glance up$5$ at the windows, fancying I 114:206,11[A ]| might see in$4$ one of them a little square card with "THIS 114:206,12[A ]| HOUSE TO$9$ LET" figuring upon$4$ it in$4$ bold black type; or else 114:206,13[A ]| great yellow posters glaring from its dark walls, notifying that$3$ 114:206,14[A ]| it was to$9$ be sold by$4$ auction. Neither of these phenomena 114:206,15[A ]| occurred, month after month passed away, and still the 114:206,16[A ]| gloomy tenement remained uninhabited; and this was the 114:206,17[A ]| more strange because, at that$6#2$ time, house property was at a 114:206,18[A ]| premium in$4$ Adelaide. 114:206,19[A ]| On$4$ the evening of the twenty-fourth of June (I recollect 114:206,20[A ]| the date because it had been a very cold, windy day, and 114:206,21[A ]| nearly every*one I met had made the remark that$3$ it was 114:206,22[A ]| Midsummer day in$4$ England) I and a couple of friends sat 114:206,23[A ]| beside a bright gum-wood fire, in$4$ my private office at the 114:206,24[A ]| detective station; and as I felt inclined for$4$ a carouse, business 114:206,25[A ]| being rather dead, and not anticipating an interruption, 114:206,26[A ]| we manufactured a jorum of punch, filled our pipes, and prepared 114:206,27[A ]| to$9$ spend a right merry evening. Yarns were the order 114:206,28[A ]| of the night, and after two or three choice ones had been 114:206,29[A ]| spun, I remarked that$3$ I fancied there was an old house in$4$ 114:206,30[A ]| Charlotte*Street which$6#1$, could it but speak, would be able to$9$ 114:206,31[A ]| relate as absorbing reminiscences as any that$6#1$ had yet been 114:206,32[A ]| given. 114:206,33@w | "Ah, you mean the \haunted\ house, No%*19," 114:206,33[A ]| observed 114:206,34[A ]| little Wiffles, my aide. 114:206,35[A ]| I confessed that$3$ I did mean No%*19, though I was unaware 114:206,36[A ]| that$3$ it bore the reputation of being haunted. 114:206,37@b | "Ah! ah! ah!" 114:206,37[A ]| laughed John*Abell, the doctor of our 114:206,38[A ]| force. 114:206,38@b | "That$6#2$ does not portray your sharpness, Mr%*Brooke. 114:206,39@b | You have been here now a whole year, and by$4$ this time you 114:207,01@b | should know everything, from the most secret thoughts of a 114:207,02@b | minister of finance to$4$ what Mother*Meddles opposite puts 114:207,03@b | in$4$ her pork pies. A pretty detective you, indeed!" 114:207,04@a | "Laugh away, doctor, but spin the yarn also, for$3$ I am as 114:207,05@a | ignorant of aught that$6#1$ concerns the house in$4$ Charlotte*Street 114:207,06@a | as the man in$4$ the moon can be," 114:207,06[A ]| I said. 114:207,07@b | "What! never heard of King*Rum*Tum?" 114:207,08@a | "Never a word." 114:207,09@b | "Well, then, fill up$5$ your glasses, boys," 114:207,09[A ]| exclaimed the 114:207,10[A ]| doctor, 114:207,10@b | "and as you all doubtless know the story with the 114:207,11@b | exception of this ignorant Melbournite, I will$1$ make the narrative 114:207,12@b | as short and to$4$ the point as possible." 114:207,13[A ]| So$5#2$ saying, Jack*Abell took a sip at his punch, relit his 114:207,14[A ]| pipe, crossed his legs, and between his whiffs related the 114:207,15[A ]| following narrative, which$6#1$ he facetiously called ~~ 114:207,16@b | THE HISTORIE OF THE KING OF BURRANAGUCK. 114:207,17@b | Twenty years ago the population of this important colony, 114:207,18@b | instead of being computable as at present by$4$ tens of thousands, 114:207,19@b | scarcely numbered a hundred souls. Adelaide itself could 114:207,20@b | boast of but nine houses, instead of fourteen hundred as at 114:207,21@b | present, and the space now occupied by$4$ our paved and 114:207,22@b | macadamized streets was open bush or dense scrub, the 114:207,23@b | hunting-ground of the black fellow. The aboriginals were 114:207,24@b | then very numerous, and were not the drunken degraded 114:207,25@b | beings they have since become. They were divided into 114:207,26@b | different tribes, each tribe having a king of its own. The 114:207,27@b | natives who$6#1$ occupied the country for$4$ a radius of many miles 114:207,28@b | around where we now sit were ruled over by$4$ a gigantic black 114:207,29@b | fellow, called by$4$ them King*Raum*tume-tume, meaning in$4$ 114:207,30@b | their language "Warrior strong strong;" but the colonists, 114:207,31@b | unable to$9$ pronounce the name, abbreviated it into Rum*Tum*Tum, 114:207,32@b | or Rum*Tum, and as King*Rum*Tum, the strong 114:207,33@b | warrior, was generally known amongst the whites. 114:207,34@b | While the colonists were weak in$4$ numbers and the blacks 114:207,35@b | very numerous, the former took care to$9$ keep on$4$ good terms 114:207,36@b | with their sable brethren, and overlooked the numerous acts 114:207,37@b | of petty thieving which$6#1$ daily took place. At length, however, 114:208,01@b | as they grew more numerous, and learnt that$3$ the native 114:208,02@b | was a poor, timid, easily scared creature, they assumed the 114:208,03@b | high hand, and without training or teaching, the black was 114:208,04@b | expected to$9$ understand and conform to$4$ the white man's code 114:208,05@b | of morals. For$4$ a sheep or two stolen from a run, or an axe 114:208,06@b | or piece of cloth from a store, the aboriginal, to$4$ whom purloining 114:208,07@b | was no$2$ crime, would if caught be whipped like$4$ a dog, 114:208,08@b | or imprisoned and half-starved. If the theft was of greater 114:208,09@b | magnitude a general raid would be made on$4$ the black inhabitants 114:208,10@b | with dogs and guns, and if resistance was offered blood 114:208,11@b | would sometimes be shed like$4$ water. Seldom was any 114:208,12@b | retaliation offered by$4$ the natives, though sometimes a shepherd 114:208,13@b | would be found murdered in$4$ his hut; or a traveller's 114:208,14@b | skeleton, picked clean by$4$ the native dogs, be discovered far 114:208,15@b | away in$4$ the silent bush, transfixed to$4$ the earth by$4$ the black 114:208,16@b | man's assagai or javelin. 114:208,17@b | In$4$ the year 1840, however, the tribe of which$6#1$ King*Rum*Tum 114:208,18@b | was the head was suspected of levying very frequent 114:208,19@b | and rather heavy black-mail on$4$ the extensive sheep runs of 114:208,20@b | Burranaguck, a station some miles to$4$ the south of us. The 114:208,21@b | station hands were accordingly collected, the dogs unleashed, 114:208,22@b | and a fresh raid made upon$4$ the unhappy aboriginals, who$6#1$ 114:208,23@b | vainly pleaded ignorance of the fate of the missing sheep. 114:208,24@b | Although none of them were actually slain, they were beaten 114:208,25@b | and ridden under foot, until at length King*Rum*Tum was 114:208,26@b | so$5#1$ angered at seeing his favourite wife (the old boy had seven 114:208,27@b | of them) bashed with a heavy stockwhip, each cut of which$6#1$ 114:208,28@b | brought blood, that$3$ he hurled his boomerang at the fellow 114:208,29@b | who$6#1$ was inflicting the punishment, and killed him on$4$ the 114:208,30@b | spot. 114:208,31@b | It happened to$9$ be the owner of Burranaguck who$6#1$ was 114:208,32@b | killed, and King*Rum*Tum was immediately captured, taken 114:208,33@b | to$4$ Adelaide, and arraigned before the Justice*of*the*Peace 114:208,34@b | as his murderer. The result was that$3$ he was committed for$4$ 114:208,35@b | trial, and as the prison was not yet built, the Justices experienced 114:208,36@b | some difficulty in$4$ finding a place wherein to$9$ confine 114:208,37@b | him. 114:208,38@b | Now it happened that$3$ a certain Miles*Humphrey had just 114:208,39@b | erected a large house in$4$ the then rapidly rising town, but on$4$ 114:209,01@b | the very day that$6#1$ it was completed, for$4$ some unaccountable 114:209,02@b | reason, he committed suicide; and as he was a lone man, 114:209,03@b | had made no$2$ will$0$, and had left no$2$ clue whereby any of his 114:209,04@b | relatives or friends could be discovered, Government appropriated 114:209,05@b | his property; and as his new house was the strongest 114:209,06@b | and most secure in$4$ the town, they imprisoned King*Rum*Tum 114:209,07@b | in$4$ the top story thereof, defended the windows with 114:209,08@b | stout iron bars, and fortified the doors with heavy belts and 114:209,09@b | chains. 114:209,10@b | Here the unhappy captive pined until his trial, a month 114:209,11@b | later, when he was found guilty of murder, and sentenced to$9$ 114:209,12@b | be hanged on$4$ the third day after the passing of the sentence. 114:209,13@b | He was taken back to$4$ his prison, where with inhuman barbarity 114:209,14@b | he was forbidden a last interview with any of his 114:209,15@b | wives or children. At length the morning fixed for$4$ the 114:209,16@b | execution arrived, the gallows had been duly erected, and a 114:209,17@b | large crowd collected to$9$ witness the spectacle. The executioner 114:209,18@b | and other officials repaired to$4$ the King's place of captivity 114:209,19@b | to$9$ escort him to$4$ the scaffold, but when they ascended 114:209,20@b | to$4$ the third floor, and entered his room where he was 114:209,21@b | imprisoned, a terrible sight met their gaze. King*Rum*Tum 114:209,22@b | was sitting bold upright upon$4$ his haunches in$4$ the furthest 114:209,23@b | corner of the room; his head was thrown back, and covered 114:209,24@b | with an old cotton handkerchief. He made no$2$ reply when 114:209,25@b | spoken to$5$, and so$3$ the executioner advanced and snatched the 114:209,26@b | handkerchief from his face. A glance showed that$3$ he was 114:209,27@b | dead. His face was terribly swollen, and of a dull leaden 114:209,28@b | hue; his eyes seemed to$9$ be starting from their sockets; his 114:209,29@b | mouth was half open, and smeared with blood. Upon$4$ 114:209,30@b | examination it was discovered that$3$ he had committed suicide 114:209,31@b | by$4$ \swallowing his own tongue\, which$6#1$ he must have effected 114:209,32@b | by$4$ rolling it up$5$ in$4$ a ball, and then by$4$ mere strength of will$0$ 114:209,33@b | and sinew forcing it backwards down his windpipe. 114:209,34@b | Thus did King*Rum*Tum cheat the gallows. Of course, 114:209,35@b | the body was promptly buried, but from that$6#2$ day the fate 114:209,36@b | of the house where he had died was sealed. It is now 114:209,37@b | fifteen years since that$6#2$ tragic event occurred, but it has 114:209,38@b | never had a tenant since, and for$4$ four or five years the 114:209,39@b | present owner, who$6#1$ bought it from the Government for$4$ a 114:210,01@b | mere song, has not thought it worth while to$9$ announce it to$9$ 114:210,02@b | be let. 114:210,03[A ]| ~~ ~~ ~~ 114:210,04[A ]| As the doctor concluded his tale, he refilled his glass from 114:210,05[A ]| the punch-bowl, and emptied it at a draught. 114:210,06@a | "Whatever objection you may have to$4$ \ghosts\, you evidently 114:210,07@a | have none to$4$ \spirits\, Abell," 114:210,07[A ]| I observed, with a laugh. 114:210,08@a | "Your story is a good one; but do the townsfolk really 114:210,09@a | believe this house to$9$ be haunted?" 114:210,10@b | "I believe you, my boy. Half Adelaide is ready to$9$ swear 114:210,11@b | to$4$ it; the very children will$1$ not play within a good stone's 114:210,12@b | throw of it after dusk, and not one grown person in$4$ a 114:210,13@b | hundred would set foot in$4$ it after nightfall, were they paid 114:210,14@b | their own weight in$4$ gold for$4$ such a deed of daring." 114:210,15@a | "And all this because a poor devil of a black fellow 114:210,16@a | swallowed his tongue in$4$ it at least twenty years ago," 114:210,16[A ]| I 114:210,17[A ]| observed, with a burst of laughter that$6#1$ I could not refrain 114:210,18[A ]| from. 114:210,19@b | "There I beg your pardon; not because a poor devil of a 114:210,20@b | black fellow, as you irreverently term his Majesty King*Rum*Tum, 114:210,21@b | swallowed his tongue in$4$ the house; but because he 114:210,22@b | persists in$4$ returning to$4$ this sublunary sphere every night, to$9$ 114:210,23@b | revisit the scene of that$6#2$ notable exploit. They say that$3$, in$4$ 114:210,24@b | company with the first proprietor of the house, who$6#1$, as I 114:210,25@b | told you before, committed suicide on$4$ the very day that$6#1$ the 114:210,26@b | structure was completed, he walks about the empty chambers 114:210,27@b | every night, 'mid the clattering of chains and all the noises 114:210,28@b | of Eblis, and when day begins to$9$ dawn with most unearthly 114:210,29@b | wails they return to$4$ the grave." 114:210,30@a | "Upon$4$ my word, I can not look \grave\ whilst you narrate 114:210,31@a | such superstitious nonsense, doctor; besides, I do not believe 114:210,32@a | in$4$ ghosts." 114:210,33@b | "Nor do I," 114:210,33[A ]| said the surgeon; 114:210,33@b | "but yet I feel sure that$3$ 114:210,34@b | there is some mystery connected with the old place that$6#1$ may 114:210,35@b | be attributable to$4$ natural causes, but which$6#1$ will$1$ be difficult 114:210,36@b | to$9$ solve." 114:210,36[A ]| Then glancing at his watch, he observed, 114:210,36@b | "It is 114:210,37@b | time for$4$ me to$9$ be off; I see it is five minutes to$4$ eleven 114:210,38@b | o'clock," 114:210,38[A ]| and shaking hands all round, he hastily took his 114:210,39[A ]| departure. The rest of the party broke up$5$ a few minutes 114:211,01[A ]| later, and before the clock struck midnight I myself was in$4$ 114:211,02[A ]| bed and sound asleep. 114:211,03[A ]| The following day, ushered in$5$ a more busy season for$4$ us. 114:211,04[A ]| A desperate murder was perpetrated. A week later a heavy 114:211,05[A ]| fraud on$4$ the Bank of South*Australia was practised; then 114:211,06[A ]| came two or three embezzlement cases, and for$4$ some time 114:211,07[A ]| my hands were so$5#1$ full of work that$3$ my thoughts never once 114:211,08[A ]| reverted to$4$ the haunted house, or to$4$ the doctor's story concerning 114:211,09[A ]| it. The above matters were scarcely disposed of 114:211,10[A ]| when a new mystery arose which$6#1$ baffled all my cunning for$4$ 114:211,11[A ]| weeks. This was no$2$ less than the immense quantity of 114:211,12[A ]| illicit and overproof whiskey that$6#1$ was in$4$ use throughout the 114:211,13[A ]| city and neighbourhood. The Customs were in$4$ a state of 114:211,14[A ]| fury and bewilderment about it, and kept urging me to$9$ use 114:211,15[A ]| every endeavour to$9$ solve the enigma and bring the distillers 114:211,16[A ]| to$4$ justice as speedily as possible. I certainly made every 114:211,17[A ]| effort to$9$ do so$5#2$, but I must own that$3$ I was never so$5#1$ thoroughly 114:211,18[A ]| at fault in$4$ my life. I had an idea for$4$ some time that$3$ the 114:211,19[A ]| confounded stuff was manufactured in$4$ the country somewhere, 114:211,20[A ]| but if so$5#2$ the spot was past finding. Every suspicious 114:211,21[A ]| locality in$4$ Adelaide, and for$4$ a radius of twenty five miles 114:211,22[A ]| around it, was searched again and again, but all without 114:211,23[A ]| avail, and at last I gave up$5$ the matter in$4$ despair, though I 114:211,24[A ]| took care not to$9$ say so$5#2$. 114:211,25[A ]| One evening, Mike*Daley, one of my aides, with a face as 114:211,26[A ]| pale as death, rushed into my private office, where I was 114:211,27[A ]| smoking a pipe, and exclaimed wildly, 114:211,27@c | "I have seen them, I have 114:211,28@c | seen them; it is all true about the house in$4$ Charlotte*Street." 114:211,29@c | 114:211,30@a | "What is all true, Daley?" 114:211,30[A ]| I asked. 114:211,31@c | "Why, every word that$3$ the doctor told us the other night. 114:211,32@c | I have seen King*Rum*Tum and the fellow who$6#1$ built the house, 114:211,33@c | and then killed himself." 114:211,34@a | "You have been having a nobbler too many, Daley. What 114:211,35@a | the deuce do you mean?" 114:211,36@c | "Mean! why, that$3$ a quarter of an hour or so$5#2$ ago I saw 114:211,37@c | King*Rum*Tum and Miles*Humphrey in$4$ a room of that$6#2$ very 114:211,38@c | house, sitting on$4$ three-legged stools, and drinking raw spirit 114:211,39@c | against each other, as though they were doing it for$4$ a wager." 114:212,01@a | "Sit down, man, and tell your yarn at length," 114:212,01[A ]| I said, 114:212,02[A ]| becoming interested in$4$ the matter. 114:212,03@c | "Well," 114:212,03[A ]| began Daley, 114:212,03@c | "you see, I was just on$4$ my way 114:212,04@c | home to$4$ the station when, in$4$ passing down Charlotte*Street, 114:212,05@c | I cast my eyes up$5$ at the haunted house and began to$9$ fancy 114:212,06@c | that$3$ I should like$1$ to$9$ inspect it a little closer; after, therefore, 114:212,07@c | I had almost stared it out of countenance from the street, I 114:212,08@c | slipped down a little right-of-way to$4$ the left of it, and got in$4$ 114:212,09@c | its rear by$4$ clambering over an old tottering wall into a weed-grown 114:212,10@c | garden. If possible, the house looks more desolate and 114:212,11@c | weird from the back than from the front, and the windows 114:212,12@c | are blinded in$4$ a similar manner ~~ in$4$ some places by$4$ closed 114:212,13@c | shutters, in$4$ others by$4$ boards nailed across. While I was 114:212,14@c | looking up$5$ at these windows I fancied that$3$ I saw a glint of 114:212,15@c | light through a crack in$4$ one of the shutters; the longer I 114:212,16@c | looked at it the more certain I felt that$3$ it was really a light, 114:212,17@c | and no$2$ freak of the imagination. I am a pretty good climber, 114:212,18@c | and, aided by$4$ the rough outer stonework, I clambered up$5$ to$4$ 114:212,19@c | the window which$6#1$ was on$4$ the second floor, and through the 114:212,20@c | narrow fissure could see into the room." 114:212,21@a | "Well, and what did you see?" 114:212,22@c | "Why, what I told you ~~ King*Rum*Tum and Miles*Humphrey 114:212,23@c | hob-nobbing together as comfortable as could 114:212,24@c | be." 114:212,25@a | "Did you notice their look or dress?" 114:212,26@c | "I did; Miles*Humphrey was attired in$4$ a suit of rusty 114:212,27@c | black, and wore a cabbage-tree hat draw over his eyes; his 114:212,28@c | face was quite as white as that$6#2$ whitewashed wall. The king 114:212,29@c | wore a ragged pair of plaid trousers, had an old blanket 114:212,30@c | wrapped around him, and had no$2$ shoes to$4$ his feet." 114:212,31@a | "Was his face black?" 114:212,32@c | "His face, hands, and feet were black as soot, but his hair 114:212,33@c | and eyebrows were white. He was the most hideous old 114:212,34@c | fellow that$6#1$ I ever saw." 114:212,35@a | "But hang it, man, how do you know that$3$ these forms were 114:212,36@a | ghosts! Perhaps they were living men, and met together in$4$ 114:212,37@a | that$6#2$ old house to$9$ plan something awful." 114:212,38@c | "Not a bit of it. Did not Miles*Humphrey hang himself?" 114:212,39[A ]| asked Daley, crossly. 114:213,01@a | "I believe he did, but what of that$6#2$?" 114:213,01[A ]| I rejoined. 114:213,02@c | "Why, this; his ghost had a livid ring around his long, 114:213,03@c | scraggy throat where the rope had encircled it; and as for$4$ 114:213,04@c | the black fellow, a narrow red ribbon encircled his neck, to$4$ 114:213,05@c | which$6#1$ was suspended a brass plate in$4$ the shape of a half-moon. 114:213,06@c | As it lay on$4$ his chest and glittered in$4$ the candle-light, 114:213,07@c | I read the words ""RUM*TUM*TUM, KING*OF*BURRANAGUCK;"" 114:213,08@c | they were engraved upon$4$ it." 114:213,09@a | "By$4$ Jove, it is very strange, Daley, I own, but did you 114:213,10@a | hear them talk?" 114:213,10[A ]| I asked. 114:213,11@c | "Not a word, they took their drinks in$4$ silence. I watched 114:213,12@c | them until my blood ran cold, and I trembled so$3$ that$3$ I feared 114:213,13@c | I should fall into the garden below; to$9$ prevent which$6#1$ I 114:213,14@c | descended as quickly as I could and returned here as fast as 114:213,15@c | my legs would carry me." 114:213,16@a | "And you still adhere to$4$ the opinion that$3$ the two men you 114:213,17@a | saw were inhabitants of the spirit world?" 114:213,18@c | "Faith, I am sure that$3$ they are none other," 114:213,18[A ]| was the confident 114:213,19[A ]| reply. 114:213,20@a | "Let me see, it is now just a quarter to$4$ twelve o'clock. 114:213,21@a | I never yet heard of a ghost retiring to$4$ his underground 114:213,22@a | dwelling before the midnight hour, so$3$ just rouse up$5$ Wiffles 114:213,23@a | and Black, and tell them to$9$ dress like$4$ lightning, for$3$ I am determined 114:213,24@a | to$9$ make an effort to$9$ solve the mystery of that$6#2$ house 114:213,25@a | at once. You must accompany us." 114:213,26[A ]| Daley looked rather astonished at my sudden energy, but 114:213,27[A ]| an impatient wave of the hand caused him to$9$ vanish with 114:213,28[A ]| alacrity to$9$ arouse his mates. In$4$ less than five minutes we 114:213,29[A ]| were all on$4$ our way to$4$ Charlotte*Street. 114:213,30[A ]| It was a bright moonlight night, and never had I before 114:213,31[A ]| fancied the haunted house to$9$ look so$5#1$ mysterious and ghost-like. 114:213,32[A ]| Towering high above the surrounding edifices, it threw 114:213,33[A ]| a dark and ominous shadow across the street. Not a glimpse 114:213,34[A ]| of light was visible at either of the front windows, and 114:213,35[A ]| placing Black and Wiffles to$9$ guard the street door, I told 114:213,36[A ]| Daley to$9$ lead me to$4$ the spot from whence he had first 114:213,37[A ]| observed the light in$4$ the second-floor window. This was 114:213,38[A ]| soon accomplished, but it was no$2$ longer visible. I scrambled 114:213,39[A ]| up$5$ to$4$ the very window through which$6#1$ Daley had witnessed 114:214,01[A ]| the two spectres, but it was all dark within, and the only 114:214,02[A ]| noise audible was the pattering of the rats as they gambolled 114:214,03[A ]| and chased each other through the empty rooms. I tried to$9$ 114:214,04[A ]| throw up$5$ the window-sash, but the rusty slip bolt defied my 114:214,05[A ]| efforts. I then cautiously thrust my arm through broken 114:214,06[A ]| pane after broken pane, hoping to$9$ be able to$9$ open the closed 114:214,07[A ]| shutters, but found them to$9$ be nailed as well as barred, and 114:214,08[A ]| so$5#1$ effectually that$3$ it would have taken some ten minutes to$9$ 114:214,09[A ]| effect an entry, and even then it could not have been done 114:214,10[A ]| without a great deal of noise. I therefore descended to$4$ the 114:214,11[A ]| garden, but unwilling to$9$ give up$5$ the adventure without a 114:214,12[A ]| further effort, I again ascended and tried three other windows 114:214,13[A ]| in$4$ succession, but with equal ill-success, until I gave the thing 114:214,14[A ]| up$5$ ~~ for$4$ that$6#2$ night, at all events ~~ in$4$ despair; and returning 114:214,15[A ]| to$4$ Daley, we joined our mates in$4$ Charlotte*Street, who$6#1$ stated 114:214,16[A ]| that$3$ they had been watching the house closely ever since we 114:214,17[A ]| had quitted them, but had noticed nothing suspicious, and 114:214,18[A ]| were quite certain that$3$ no*one had left it by$4$ the front door 114:214,19[A ]| or windows since they had been on$4$ guard. 114:214,20[A ]| As nothing more could be effected until the next day, we 114:214,21[A ]| returned to$4$ the station. 114:214,22[A ]| The following morning I disguised myself, discovered the 114:214,23[A ]| residence of the proprietor of the haunted house, and called 114:214,24[A ]| upon$4$ him. 114:214,25[A ]| He was a tall, lanky man, with a sullen look, but oily 114:214,26[A ]| manners. He kept an inn called the "Dublin*Arms," but 114:214,27[A ]| he was a Yankee for$4$ all that$6#2$, and had never been in$4$ the 114:214,28[A ]| Emerald*Isle in$4$ his life. 114:214,29@a | "Good morning, Mr%*Snakes," 114:214,29[A ]| I exclaimed, as he entered 114:214,30[A ]| the private parlour whither I had been ushered upon$4$ stating 114:214,31[A ]| that$3$ my business was private. 114:214,32@d | "Good morning, sir; good morning. I believe you wished 114:214,33@d | to$9$ speak with me," 114:214,33[A ]| he said, favouring me with a searching 114:214,34[A ]| glance as he spoke. 114:214,35[A ]| My get-up as a well-to-do squatter was, however, too complete 114:214,36[A ]| to$9$ be penetrated, and assuming an off-hand air I came 114:214,37[A ]| to$4$ the point at once with 114:214,37@a | "I understand that$3$ you are the 114:214,38@a | landlord of No%*19, Charlotte*Street, and that$3$ you want to$9$ 114:214,39@a | let it?" 114:215,01@d | "I ~~ I am the proprietor of the house you name, but as to$4$ 114:215,02@d | letting it, I really do not know what to$9$ say; I have no$2$ particular 114:215,03@d | desire to$9$ do so$5#2$," 114:215,03[A ]| he answered, with rather a confused air. 114:215,04@a | "Ah! ah! You say that$6#2$ in$4$ order to$9$ run me up$5$ in$4$ the 114:215,05@a | rent, Master*Snakes; but I am a rich man, and do not care to$9$ 114:215,06@a | haggle for$4$ such a trifle as a few pounds a month. I have taken 114:215,07@a | a fancy to$4$ the house, and you must let me have it. Of course 114:215,08@a | you would rather let it than have it empty on$4$ our hands?" 114:215,09@d | "Oh, without doubt it is unpleasant to$9$ have an empty 114:215,10@d | tenement bringing in$5$ no$2$ rent, but the fact is, sir, that$3$ the 114:215,11@d | place is so$5#1$ damp and out of repair, that$3$ it would cost nearly 114:215,12@d | a thousand pounds to$9$ make it habitable." 114:215,13@a | "Well, let me have it on$4$ a twenty-one years' lease, and 114:215,14@a | I will$1$ expend a thousand pounds to$9$ put it to$4$ rights." 114:215,15[A ]| I noticed an angry glitter in$4$ the tall Yankee's eyes, but 114:215,16[A ]| his voice was more oily and persuasive than ever as he said, 114:215,17@d | "I am an honest man, sir, though not a very rich one. I 114:215,18@d | can not make up$5$ my mind to$9$ cheat you, though you are sorely 114:215,19@d | tempting me to$9$ do it. The fact is, before you had been in$4$ 114:215,20@d | that$6#2$ house a week you would be ten times more anxious to$9$ 114:215,21@d | get out than you are now to$9$ enter it. Although it is my 114:215,22@d | house, and consequently much against my interests to$9$ say so$5#2$, 114:215,23@d | yet my conscience obliges me to$9$ tell you that$3$ it is damp, 114:215,24@d | draughty, badly built, and terribly out of repair. It is, moreover, 114:215,25@d | known to$9$ be a haunted house, and you would not get 114:215,26@d | a servant, male or female, to$9$ stay in$4$ it one night, were you 114:215,27@d | to$9$ offer them all your wealth to$9$ do so$5#2$." 114:215,28@a | "A haunted house? By$4$ Jove! that$6#2$ makes me more 114:215,29@a | anxious than ever to$9$ become its occupier. I always longed 114:215,30@a | to$9$ live in$4$ a haunted house." 114:215,31@d | "But the servants, sir?" 114:215,32@a | "Oh, hang the servants! I will$1$ bring some down from my 114:215,33@a | station at Coonaburra who$6#1$ will$1$ fear neither ghost nor devil." 114:215,34@d | "Ah, sir, you will$1$ not hear reason," 114:215,34[A ]| groaned the landlord. 114:215,35@a | "Not I, but perhaps you will$1$. I offer a rent of a hundred 114:215,36@a | and fifty pounds a year for$4$ a term of twenty-one years, and 114:215,37@a | will$1$ expend a thousand pounds in$4$ repairs prior to$4$ entry, as 114:215,38@a | well as pay all rates and taxes," 114:215,38[A ]| I said. 114:215,39@d | "Ah, I could not let it on$4$ those terms." 114:216,01@a | "Make it two hundred a year then, and come and show 114:216,02@a | me over the rooms at once," 114:216,02[A ]| I persisted. 114:216,03[A ]| Snakes bit his lip until the blood spurted, and then 114:216,04[A ]| looked scared lest I had perceived it. He stammered, hesitated, 114:216,05[A ]| and at last blurted out, 114:216,05@d | "I have lost the key of the 114:216,06@d | door; and besides, am too busy to$9$ leave the hotel to-day. 114:216,07@d | Call again, if you are passing, towards the end of the week, 114:216,08@d | sir." 114:216,09[A ]| I saw that$3$ a prolonging of the controversy would only 114:216,10[A ]| awaken Master*Snakes' suspicions, without affecting any corresponding 114:216,11[A ]| good. I therefore pretended to$9$ be satisfied with 114:216,12[A ]| his excuse, and promising to$9$ call again as he requested, took 114:216,13[A ]| my leave. 114:216,14[A ]| I was highly satisfied at the result of my pumping. I knew 114:216,15[A ]| that$3$ six months previously Snakes had offered to$9$ let this 114:216,16[A ]| house at \thirty pounds a year\, rather than keep it on$4$ his 114:216,17[A ]| hands. \Now\ he did not care to$9$ take seven times that$6#2$ amount; 114:216,18[A ]| the conclusion naturally possessed me that$3$ he found the old 114:216,19[A ]| house more profitable empty than let, and as a natural consequence 114:216,20[A ]| next arose the mental query, 114:216,20@a | "In$4$ what manner could 114:216,21@a | he make it more profitable?" 114:216,21[A ]| The bolted and nailed windows 114:216,22[A ]| seemed to$9$ answer that$3$ it was not by$4$ means altogether honest 114:216,23[A ]| and above-board; and then, like$4$ a flash of lightning, it 114:216,24[A ]| crossed my mind that$3$ perchance the landlord of "The*Dublin*Arms" 114:216,25[A ]| was a whiskey distiller, and that$3$ in$4$ this old house 114:216,26[A ]| might be manufactured the large quantities of illicit spirit 114:216,27[A ]| that$6#1$ had deluged Adelaide and its neighbourhood for$4$ the past 114:216,28[A ]| three months, and defied the police as well as the excise to$9$ 114:216,29[A ]| discover its makers. 114:216,30[A ]| When I got to$4$ the station I imparted my suspicions to$4$ my 114:216,31[A ]| mates, for$3$ I determined at any risk to$9$ solve the mystery of 114:216,32[A ]| the haunted house, and the identity of Miles*Humphrey and 114:216,33[A ]| King*Rum*Tum that$6#2$ very night. 114:216,34[A ]| I sent two of the force ~~ in$4$ mufti, of course ~~ to$9$ watch the 114:216,35[A ]| house, with orders to$9$ arrest any*one who$6#1$ might pass in$5$ or 114:216,36[A ]| out. Directly it was dark, I doubled the number of watchers, 114:216,37[A ]| telling them to$9$ be wary and watch every approach, and not 114:216,38[A ]| be content with merely keeping an eye on$4$ the doors; for$3$ I 114:216,39[A ]| fancied, that$3$ if my suspicions were correct, the persons who$6#1$ 114:217,01[A ]| visited the lone house would obtain ingress by$4$ any means but 114:217,02[A ]| the legitimate ones. If anything mysterious happened previous 114:217,03[A ]| to$4$ eleven o'clock, one of them was to$9$ return at once 114:217,04[A ]| and report to$4$ me. At that$6#2$ hour I resolved to$9$ repair thither 114:217,05[A ]| and effect an entry by$4$ hook or by$4$ crook. 114:217,06[A ]| Hour flew by$5$ after hour; at last half-past ten came, and I was 114:217,07[A ]| about to$9$ equip myself for$4$ the adventure, when in$5$ ran Wiffles. 114:217,08@a | "Well, what is up$5$, mate?" 114:217,08[A ]| said I. 114:217,09@w | "Why, they have just entered the house, sir." 114:217,10@a | "Who$6#2$ have?" 114:217,11@w | "Why, God knows; Daley swears they are ghosts, but I 114:217,12@w | guess they are men. You know, sir, we were on$4$ guard at 114:217,13@w | the back, and I was lying down in$4$ the garden under the 114:217,14@w | shadow of the tall weeds, keeping a sharp look-out on$4$ the 114:217,15@w | house, when I heard a rustle close by$5$, and a black man with 114:217,16@w | a white woolly head skiddered by$4$ me as if old Nick was after 114:217,17@w | him. I never saw a fellow go at such a pace in$4$ my life, and 114:217,18@w | before I could make up$5$ my mind whether to$9$ pursue him or 114:217,19@w | not I saw him and another fellow, I can not guess where \he\ 114:217,20@w | sprang from, apparently glide up$4$ the side of the house to$4$ the 114:217,21@w | third story, and then dart in$5$ through a window." 114:217,22@a | "Did Daley see all this too?" 114:217,23@w | "He did not see the black fellow pass me, because he was 114:217,24@w | away too far to$4$ the left, but he saw the two figures glide up$4$ 114:217,25@w | the wall and pop in$5$ through the window." 114:217,26@a | "And he swears they are ghosts, does he?" 114:217,26[A ]| I laughed. 114:217,27@w | "He does indeed." 114:217,28@a | "Then, if I do not mistake, he shall have the honour of 114:217,29@a | locking up$5$ two ghosts in$4$ the police cells to-morrow. Come, 114:217,30@a | let us be off. You shall accompany me into this haunted 114:217,31@a | house, for$3$ Daley is too superstitious and timid. Have you 114:217,32@a | your revolver with you?" 114:217,33@w | "Yes, I am all right." 114:217,34@a | "Wait a minute, then, and I will$1$ be with you," 114:217,34[A ]| I said; and 114:217,35[A ]| going into my bedroom I took my revolver out of its case, 114:217,36[A ]| examined the caps, and placed it in$4$ my pocket, for$3$ I did not 114:217,37[A ]| know how many desperadoes there might be in$4$ the house, 114:217,38[A ]| and there is no$2$ saying more true than 114:217,38@z | "discretion is the better 114:217,39@z | part of valour." 114:218,01[A ]| It was just eleven o'clock when we left the station, and 114:218,02[A ]| five minutes' brisk walking brought us in$4$ view of the haunted 114:218,03[A ]| house. Turning down the little right-of-way we came full 114:218,04[A ]| tilt againt Daley, who$6#1$, dressed as a mechanic, stood leaning 114:218,05[A ]| against a lamp-post smoking his pipe. 114:218,06@a | "Mind you fellows keep your eyes open, and draw closer 114:218,07@a | around the house. Wiffles and I are going in$5$; but the rascals 114:218,08@a | may possibly slip through our fingers, as they know the run 114:218,09@a | of the rooms and we do not. See, therefore, that$3$ they do not 114:218,10@a | pass you." 114:218,11@c | "The ghosts, you mean, Mr%*Brooke." 114:218,12@a | "The fiddle-stick! ghosts be hanged! the house is no$2$ more 114:218,13@a | haunted than you are, man, unless it be by$4$ burglars, forgers, 114:218,14@a | whiskey distillers, or rogues of that$6#2$ class. Now go and give 114:218,15@a | my instructions to$4$ our mates; I want you all close under the 114:218,16@a | walls, one in$4$ front, two at the back, and be particularly 114:218,17@a | careful lest any*one drops from the windows by$4$ a rope." 114:218,18[A ]| Leaving Daley, Wiffles and I now got over the broken-down 114:218,19[A ]| wall into the garden, which$6#1$ we crossed noiselessly and 114:218,20[A ]| stealthily, and presently stood under the high frowning walls 114:218,21[A ]| of the house. 114:218,22@a | "Now, Wiffles, look out sharp for$4$ a rope, for$3$ they must 114:218,23@a | have ascended by$4$ means of one, and I think we can follow 114:218,24@a | their example," 114:218,24[A ]| I whispered. 114:218,25[A ]| The idea that$3$ the two figures that$6#1$ he had seen enter the 114:218,26[A ]| house by$4$ one of the top story windows had attained that$6#2$ 114:218,27[A ]| altitude by$4$ means of a rope had never entered Wiffles' head. 114:218,28[A ]| He now saw the probability of the thing at once; and in$4$ 114:218,29[A ]| another minute all doubts as to$4$ their mode of ingress were 114:218,30[A ]| set aside by$4$ my running my head against the identical rope 114:218,31[A ]| itself, which$6#1$ depended from the middle window of the third 114:218,32[A ]| story, and reached down to$4$ just the level of my nose. 114:218,33@w | "Who$6#2$ will$1$ go first?" 114:218,33[A ]| asked Wiffles. 114:218,34@a | "I will$1$; and do not you begin to$9$ ascend until I am safely 114:218,35@a | landed, for$3$ then if any*one sees me before I reach the 114:218,36@a | the window and tries to$9$ cut the rope, you may perhaps be 114:218,37@a | able to$9$ shoot them down," 114:218,37[A ]| I said. 114:218,38[A ]| I now commenced my ascent, and being a fair climber, I 114:218,39[A ]| did not experience much difficulty in$4$ mounting hand over 114:219,01[A ]| hand. In$4$ a few minutes I had gained the window and 114:219,02[A ]| clambered through it into the room. Wiffles was not slow 114:219,03[A ]| to$9$ follow my example, and just as the clock of a neighbouring 114:219,04[A ]| church chimed a quarter past eleven we both of us stood 114:219,05[A ]| within the haunted house. 114:219,06[A ]| It was very dark, the moonlight did not penetrate into the 114:219,07[A ]| room, so$3$ that$3$ we could not see an inch before us. We 114:219,08[A ]| listened, but no$2$ sound was audible, save the skiddering of a 114:219,09[A ]| stray rat or two across the floor, and the monotonous "tick-tick-tick" 114:219,10[A ]| of the Mimi beetle (the Australian "death-watch"). 114:219,11[A ]| 114:219,12@a | "Off with your shoes silently and quickly," 114:219,12[A ]| I whispered to$4$ 114:219,13[A ]| Wiffles, setting the example as I spoke. 114:219,14[A ]| We now groped noiselessly over the room in$4$ search of a 114:219,15[A ]| door; at last we found one, but it was locked, and defied all 114:219,16[A ]| our efforts to$9$ open it. We next went right round the rom, 114:219,17[A ]| feeling the wall all the way, but found no$2$ other mode of 114:219,18[A ]| egress. Clearly there was only one door, and that$3$ we could 114:219,19[A ]| not force open without alarming the whole house. 114:219,20@w | "It seems to$4$ me that$3$ we are sold after all," 114:219,20[A ]| muttered 114:219,21[A ]| Wiffles. 114:219,22@a | "Not a bit of it, my boy," 114:219,22[A ]| I responded; 114:219,22@a | "let us cross and 114:219,23@a | recross the floor, but cautiously, or we may fall through a 114:219,24@a | trap." 114:219,25[A ]| We accordingly shuffled across noiselessly to$8$ and fro, never 114:219,26[A ]| raising our feet from the floor, until at last I felt that$3$ half my 114:219,27[A ]| left foot rested on$4$ empty space, and stooping down, I found 114:219,28[A ]| a large opening in$4$ the floor. 114:219,29@a | "By$4$ George, Wiffles, it is lucky I thought of this, or we 114:219,30@a | should assuredly have broken our necks in$4$ falling through 114:219,31@a | this precious trap. The question now is, how to$9$ reach the 114:219,32@a | room below." 114:219,33@w | "There is a rope fastened to$4$ an iron ring, and with its end 114:219,34@w | hanging through the hole," 114:219,34[A ]| answered my mate. 114:219,35@a | "Then get along with you, it is your turn to$9$ go first now." 114:219,36[A ]| Jack*Wiffles required no$2$ second bidding; active as a 114:219,37[A ]| monkey, he slipped own the rope, and in$4$ a moment had 114:219,38[A ]| gained the floor below. More leisurely I followed his example, 114:219,39[A ]| and presently felt boards under my feet again. 114:220,01@w | "Hush! did you hear that$6#2$?" 114:220,01[A ]| asked Wiffles. 114:220,02@a | "Yes, but it was only a rat," 114:220,02[A ]| I replied. 114:220,03@w | "Not a bit of it. I swear it was a human voice," 114:220,03[A ]| retorted 114:220,04[A ]| Wiffles, in$4$ the same low tone. 114:220,05[A ]| We listened, and in$4$ a moment a loud metallic crash rang 114:220,06[A ]| through the house, awaking a dozen reverberations amid the 114:220,07[A ]| empty rooms. Then followed the clanking of a chain and a 114:220,08[A ]| yell of demoniac laughter. 114:220,09@w | "This is strange. Perhaps there is more truth in$4$ the 114:220,10@w | common report that$3$ the house is haunted than we have 114:220,11@w | credited," 114:220,11[A ]| said my aide, in$4$ nervous tones. 114:220,12@a | "I confess that$3$ matters look rather dismal; but now that$3$ 114:220,13@a | we have dared so$5#1$ much, we will$1$ not cry craven at a mere 114:220,14@a | noise. Ghosts or thieves, I must find out their reasons for$4$ 114:220,15@a | taking up$5$ a lodging here," 114:220,15[A ]| I answered. 114:220,16[A ]| We now made for$4$ the wall again, and glided along it as 114:220,17[A ]| we had done in$4$ the room above in$4$ search of another door, 114:220,18[A ]| which$6#1$ we presently found, and to$4$ our satisfaction it was 114:220,19[A ]| unlocked. 114:220,20[A ]| Taking a bottle of oil from my pocket, I plentifully lubricated 114:220,21[A ]| the hinges lest they should creak, and then we opened 114:220,22[A ]| the door, passed through, and found ourselves in$4$ a passage, 114:220,23[A ]| for$3$ on$4$ raising my arms until with my body they formed the 114:220,24[A ]| shape of the letter T, I could touch the walls on$4$ either side. 114:220,25[A ]| It was still as dark as the grave around us, but at the end 114:220,26[A ]| of the passage we were traversing we could see a narrow line 114:220,27[A ]| of light, apparently gleaming through a crack in$4$ a door. 114:220,28[A ]| We soon found that$3$ this was the case, and upon$4$ looking 114:220,29[A ]| through this fissure a strange scene met our gaze. The room 114:220,30[A ]| into which$6#1$ we peered was devoid of furniture, with the 114:220,31[A ]| exception of a couple of three-legged stools and two stretcher 114:220,32[A ]| beds, on$4$ each of which$6#1$ lay a couple or so$5#2$ of not over-clean 114:220,33[A ]| blankets. It was a very large room, but the carved ceiling 114:220,34[A ]| was discoloured with damp and spiders' webs; the once rich 114:220,35[A ]| paper was hanging in$4$ strips and tatters from the walls, and 114:220,36[A ]| the floor was black with dirt, and thickly strewn with broken 114:220,37[A ]| pipes and glasses. All these matters only received a mere 114:220,38[A ]| glance, for$3$ our attention was riveted by$4$ the occupants of the 114:220,39[A ]| two stools, who$6#1$ sat one on$4$ each side of the soot-begrimed 114:221,01[A ]| fireplace. At a glance we recognised them to$9$ be Miles*Humphrey, 114:221,02[A ]| the suicide, and the King*of*Burranaguck, looking 114:221,03[A ]| just as Daley had described them the night before, and 114:221,04[A ]| drinking raw spirits like$4$ the very deuce. 114:221,05[A ]| At the feet of one lay a heavy chain; against the stool of 114:221,06[A ]| the other leant a metal gong. There was the livid mark of 114:221,07[A ]| the rope around the throat of the white man, and on$4$ the 114:221,08[A ]| breast of his companion lay the half-moon shaped brass 114:221,09[A ]| plate, with its inscription in$4$ large black letters, "RUM*TUM*TUM, 114:221,10[A ]| KING*OF*BURRANAGUCK." There could be no$2$ mistake 114:221,11[A ]| about all this, and I confess that$3$ for$4$ a minute or two a kind 114:221,12[A ]| of superstitious terror seized hold of me, and I began to$9$ 114:221,13[A ]| think that$3$ we had really to$9$ do with inhabitants of the spirit 114:221,14[A ]| world. As for$4$ Wiffles, plucky as he generally was, his teeth 114:221,15[A ]| now began to$9$ chatter with fear, and he whispered, 114:221,15@w | "This is 114:221,16@w | awful!" 114:221,17@a | "Hush, man! depend upon$4$ it, there is some earthly devilry 114:221,18@a | in$4$ all this," 114:221,18[A ]| I answered. 114:221,18@a | "I can not fancy that$3$ veritable ghosts 114:221,19@a | swig off raw spirits at such a rate as these do. Listen, the 114:221,20@a | black fellow is going to$9$ speak." 114:221,21@w | "Sure he can not with his tongue stuck down his windpipe," 114:221,22[A ]| said Wiffles. 114:221,23[A ]| King*Rum*Tum, however, quickly proved to$4$ Mr%*Wiffles 114:221,24[A ]| that$3$ he was mistaken as far as the tongue went, for$3$ turning 114:221,25[A ]| to$4$ his companion, he said, suddenly, 114:221,25@w | "Well, Snakes, you 114:221,26@w | never told me how you put off the fellow as inquired after 114:221,27@w | this here house." 114:221,28@d | "Oh, the fool! I scarcely know how I managed it, for$3$ he 114:221,29@d | was the most persisting varmint that$6#1$ I ever clapped eyes on$4$," 114:221,30[A ]| said the other, with an oath. 114:221,30@d | "By$4$ Jingo, he would not take 114:221,31@d | ""no$7$"" for$4$ an answer." 114:221,32@w | "And has he given up$5$ all thoughts of the house?" 114:221,32[A ]| asked 114:221,33[A ]| the king, anxiously. 114:221,34@d | "Oh no$7$, not he; but I put him off until the end of the 114:221,35@d | week." 114:221,36@w | "And if he still presses you, what then?" 114:221,37@d | "Why, if he will$1$ not take civil advice, I must tell him pat 114:221,38@d | and plain that$3$ he shall not have it; say that$3$ I have already let it. 114:221,39@d | or that$3$ I am going to$9$ knock it down. Darn him, he can not 114:222,01@d | make a man let his own property against his will$0$," 114:222,01[A ]| said the 114:222,02[A ]| Yankee. 114:222,03@w | "Ah! ah! ah! the house pays better as it is, does not it, 114:222,04@w | daddy Snakes?" 114:222,04[A ]| laughed the black fellow. 114:222,05@d | "I believe you, my boy. I think our profits are at present 114:222,06@d | to$4$ the tune of a hundred pounds a month each, so$3$ I should 114:222,07@d | be a precious fool to$9$ let the place at only that$6#2$ rate 7per*annun;" 114:222,08[A ]| and the Yankee laughed until the tears ran down 114:222,09[A ]| his cheeks. 114:222,10@w | "How lucky we were to$9$ get such a crib! we are safer 114:222,11@w | from observation here than if we were in$4$ the centre of the 114:222,12@w | Stony*Desert. Not a human being in$4$ Adelaide, even those 114:222,13@w | d***d traps included, would enter these walls, were they 114:222,14@w | paid their weight in$4$ gold to$9$ do so$5#2$. Come, Master*Snakes, or 114:222,15@w | Master*Humphrey, whichever you are called, I propose a toast." 114:222,16@d | "Hang your toasts! What is it?" 114:222,16[A ]| growled the landlord 114:222,17[A ]| of the "Dublin*Arms." 114:222,18@w | "Why the haunted house, you duffer! the haunted 114:222,19@w | house!" 114:222,19[A ]| he repeated in$4$ a louder key, as he staggered to$4$ his 114:222,20[A ]| feet, and raised a brimming glass of whiskey to$4$ his lips. 114:222,21@d | "The haunted house," 114:222,21[A ]| echoed Snakes, following his example 114:222,22[A ]| with tipsy gravity. 114:222,23@a | "\The haunted house!\" 114:222,23[A ]| I exclaimed, in$4$ a sepulchral tone 114:222,24[A ]| from the passage. 114:222,25@w | "THE HAUNTED HOUSE!" 114:222,25[A ]| shrieked Wiffles, taking his cue 114:222,26[A ]| from me. 114:222,27[A ]| King*Rum*Tum, or rather his personator, had raised his 114:222,28[A ]| glass to$4$ his lips, but he let it fall from his relaxed grasp 114:222,29[A ]| when the third voice smote upon$4$ his ear; and at my mate's 114:222,30[A ]| eldritch yell, Snakes tossed his glass and its contents into 114:222,31[A ]| the ample fireplace, and turned yellowish brown and white 114:222,32[A ]| by$4$ turns. 114:222,33@w | "Did you hear that$6#2$?" 114:222,33[A ]| asked the black fellow, in$4$ quivering 114:222,34[A ]| tones. 114:222,35@d | "I did. What on$4$ earth could it have been?" 114:222,35[A ]| faltered the 114:222,36[A ]| landlord. 114:222,37@w | "The devil," 114:222,37[A ]| suggested the black. 114:222,38@w | "King*Rum*Tum, whose name you have taken," 114:222,38[A ]| howled 114:222,39[A ]| Wiffles through the keyhole. 114:223,01@a | "And Miles*Humphrey, who$6#1$ owns this house," 114:223,01[A ]| I echoed 114:223,02[A ]| in$4$ a voice that$6#1$ seemed to$9$ come from at least ten million 114:223,03[A ]| good leagues under ground. 114:223,04[A ]| By$4$ George! a peep at the two terrified personators at that$6#2$ 114:223,05[A ]| moment was worth a mine of rubies. For$4$ a minute or two 114:223,06[A ]| they stood staring at each other like$4$ a couple of idiots; then 114:223,07[A ]| they simultaneously fell on$4$ their knees and tried to$9$ mutter 114:223,08[A ]| their prayers. To$9$ put an end to$4$ the ridiculous scene, I 114:223,09[A ]| placed the muzzle of my revolver against the back of the 114:223,10[A ]| door, and blew it open. We then rushed in$5$ and threw ourselves 114:223,11[A ]| upon$4$ the horror-stricken distillers, reckoning that$3$ after 114:223,12[A ]| the fright they had just received no$2$ resistance would be 114:223,13[A ]| offered. In$4$ this, however, we were mistaken, for$3$ the moment 114:223,14[A ]| the rascals saw that$3$ we were veritable men, and not the 114:223,15[A ]| spirits of those whom they had personated, their courage 114:223,16[A ]| returned, and drawing their knives, they stood on$4$ the 114:223,17[A ]| defensive. 114:223,18@a | "None of your knife-work, Master*Snakes," 114:223,18[A ]| I cried, 114:223,19[A ]| covering him with my revolver. 114:223,19@a | "You see I was determined 114:223,20@a | to$9$ inspect the inside of this house before I took 114:223,21@a | it on$4$ a twenty-one years' lease, at two hundred a year." 114:223,22@d | "Ten thousand fiends! Are you squatter*Thompson that$6#1$ 114:223,23@d | called on$4$ me this morning about the house?" 114:223,23[A ]| demanded the 114:223,24[A ]| astonished landlord of the "Dublin*Arms." 114:223,25@a | "Squatter*Thompson, or detective*Brooke, at your service. 114:223,26@a | I answer to$4$ either name," 114:223,26[A ]| I replied. 114:223,27@w | "By$4$ Jabers, the traps!" 114:223,27[A ]| cried the black fellow, in$4$ accents 114:223,28[A ]| of despair. 114:223,29@w | "Come, my friends, just drop those pig stickers; we want 114:223,30@w | to$9$ take your measurement for$4$ a pair of wristbands," 114:223,30[A ]| said 114:223,31[A ]| Wiffles. 114:223,32[A ]| For$4$ a minute or so$5#2$ the fellows looked defiant, but our 114:223,33[A ]| revolvers overawed them, and they sullenly threw down their 114:223,34[A ]| arms and allowed themselves to$9$ be handcuffed. We then, 114:223,35[A ]| aided by$4$ their candle, began to$9$ search the premises. There 114:223,36[A ]| was a second door in$4$ the room where we had surprised them, 114:223,37[A ]| which$6#1$ led into an adjoining apartment, and upon$4$ entering 114:223,38[A ]| their inner room the mystery of the haunted house was solved 114:223,39[A ]| at a glance. 114:224,01[A ]| It was an immense apartment ~~ far larger than the one which$6#1$ 114:224,02[A ]| we had just quitted. It was probably two or three rooms 114:224,03[A ]| knocked into one. In$4$ it stood a large \still\ in$4$ perfect working 114:224,04[A ]| order; the boiler stood over the glowing embers, and the 114:224,05[A ]| head and worm were attached, the latter carrying its convolutions 114:224,06[A ]| down through a large hogshead of water, and discharging 114:224,07[A ]| the whiskey through a pipe near the bottom into a vessel 114:224,08[A ]| placed there to$9$ receive it. Nearly touching this vessel stood 114:224,09[A ]| a pannikin, and close to$4$ the pannikin lay a pile of empty 114:224,10[A ]| bags; for$4$ what purpose we could not imagine, but three-fourths 114:224,11[A ]| of the floor of the room was covered by$4$ numbers of 114:224,12[A ]| kegs and barrels, the greater proportion of which$6#1$ were filled 114:224,13[A ]| with the mountain dew. All these were clearly revealed by$4$ 114:224,14[A ]| the rays proceeding from a dirty oil lamp which$6#1$ hung by$4$ a 114:224,15[A ]| chain from the ceiling. 114:224,16[A ]| Wiffles and I did not neglect to$9$ patronize the warm spirit 114:224,17[A ]| that$6#1$ trickled slowly into the already nearly overflowing pannikin; 114:224,18[A ]| and I must admit that$3$ if the \ghosts\ of the haunted 114:224,19[A ]| house were not genuine, the \spirits\ were, and excellent ones 114:224,20[A ]| to$4$ boot. 114:224,21[A ]| Well, after we had had a good drink we returned to$4$ the 114:224,22[A ]| other room and rejoined the crest-fallen proprietors of the 114:224,23[A ]| still, whom we ordered to$9$ lead the way to$4$ the street door. 114:224,24[A ]| This they sullenly did, and we found that$3$ it was not only 114:224,25[A ]| bolted, locked, and barred, but actually screwed on$4$ the inside. 114:224,26[A ]| It took us nearly half an hour to$9$ get out these screws, draw 114:224,27[A ]| back all the rusty bolts, and force it open. By$4$ the time we 114:224,28[A ]| had done so$5#2$ a distant church clock struck the first hour of 114:224,29[A ]| the morning. 114:224,30[A ]| We walked off our captives to$4$ the police station, and when 114:224,31[A ]| there, the first thing that$6#1$ "King*Rum*Tum the Second" 114:224,32[A ]| asked for$4$ was soap and water; by$4$ the aid of which$6#1$ he 114:224,33[A ]| speedily transmogrified himself into a white man, and a 114:224,34[A ]| genuine son of Erin into the bargain. The next morning 114:224,35[A ]| our brace of worthies were marched before the Court*of*Petty*Sessions, 114:224,36[A ]| where, after a long trial, the still was sentenced 114:224,37[A ]| to$9$ be confiscated, and each of the distillers to$4$ a fine 114:224,38[A ]| of L*150, or in$4$ default three months' imprisonment with hard 114:224,39[A ]| labour. The host of the "Dublin*Arms" counted down the 114:225,01[A ]| cash with air and dignity of a prince; but his mate, 114:225,02[A ]| shrewdly observing 114:225,02@w | "that$3$ a hundred and fifty pounds was a 114:225,03@w | dear price for$4$ three months' liberty, and that$3$ with their 114:225,04@w | worships' leave he would accept the temporary board and 114:225,05@w | lodging kindly placed at his disposal by$4$ the Government," 114:225,06[A ]| made a serio-comic bow, and was conducted from the court 114:225,07[A ]| by$4$ two constables. 114:225,08[A ]| Thus were King*Rum*Tum's and Miles*Humphrey's ghosts 114:225,09[A ]| laid: the two rascals who$6#1$ had turned the superstitious fears 114:225,10[A ]| of the townspeople to$4$ so$5#1$ profitable an account were in$4$ turn 114:225,11[A ]| taken in$5$ and done for$5$; and upon$4$ the landlord of the "Dublin*Arms" 114:225,12[A ]| becoming insolvent a few months later, the old house 114:225,13[A ]| in$4$ Charlotte*Street ~~ now a haunted house no$2$ longer ~~ passed 114:225,14[A ]| into other hands, and is at present, I believe, tenanted by$4$ 114:225,15[A ]| either a homo*eopathic or hydropathic doctor, I forget which$6#1$. 101:119;00@@@@@| 101:119;01[A ]| While in$4$ Tasmania I met with an adventure of so$5#1$ singular a 101:119;02[A ]| character, that$3$ it has been the subject of much thought during my 101:119;03[A ]| leisure hours in$4$ the intervening space of time, the more so$5#2$ as the 101:119;04[A ]| mysterious portion of it remains unexplained to$4$ this day. 101:119;05[A ]| On$4$ an evening during one of the winter months I was seated in$4$ 101:119;06[A ]| my quarters in$4$ Hobart*Town, engaged in$4$ making memoranda of 101:119;07[A ]| my day's occupation, when a gentleman who$6#1$ had requested to$9$ see 101:119;08[A ]| me was shown into the apartment. Although he had not the 101:119;09[A ]| slightest knowledge of me, I recognised him at once. It was 101:119;10[A ]| Mr*Longmore, a merchant of Hobart*Town, who$6#1$ had the character 101:119;11[A ]| of being a steady, worthy, and withal wealthy man. He was a 101:119;12[A ]| widower, the father of an only daughter, and resided on$4$ the 101:119;13[A ]| outskirts of the town, in$4$ a handsome residence situated very near 101:119;14[A ]| to$4$ that$6#2$ part of the Derwent which$6#1$ bears the name of Sullivan's*Cove; 101:119;15[A ]| in$4$ fact, its waters rippled at the bottom of Mr*Longmore's 101:119;16[A ]| own grounds. 101:119;17[A ]| ""I have the pleasure of speaking to$4$ Mr*Brooke, the detective 101:119;18[A ]| officer, I believe,"" 101:119;18[A ]| said he, after having at my invitation seated 101:119;19[A ]| himself. 101:119;20@a | ""Yes,"" 101:119;20[A ]| I replied, 101:119;20@a | ""and you may spare yourself the trouble of introducing 101:119;21@a | yourself, Mr*Longmore. I have the honour of knowing 101:119;22@a | you well by$4$ sight, as well as by$4$ reputation."" 101:119;23[A ]| ""Well, I suppose I need not be surprised at your recognising me,"" 101:119;24[A ]| replied he, with a staid smile, 101:119;24[A ]| ""although I do not recollect having 101:119;25[A ]| ever met you before; but it is quite in$4$ your way to$9$ be observant."" 101:119;26@a | ""It is, sir; and now in$4$ what manner can my present services avail 101:119;27@a | you?"" 101:120;01[A ]| I could not help noticing that$3$ the gentleman looked uneasy 101:120;02[A ]| and hesitant, and not at all easy in$4$ his conversation, as I should 101:120;03[A ]| have expected to$9$ find a man of the world as Mr*Longmore. 101:120;04[A ]| ""I scarcely know what to$9$ say to$4$ you, Mr*Brooke,"" 101:120;04[A ]| shifting 101:120;05[A ]| uneasily upon$4$ his chair. 101:120;05[A ]| ""I came with the purpose of disclosing 101:120;06[A ]| to$4$ you something so$5#1$ extraordinary and singular as to$9$ be 101:120;07[A ]| scarcely credible, and now I am doubly inclined to$9$ fear that$3$ its 101:120;08[A ]| very singularity may occasion doubts in$4$ your mind as to$4$ my 101:120;09[A ]| judgment or want of common sense."" 101:120;10@a | ""You need not be at all afraid, Mr*Longmore,"" 101:120;10[A ]| I responded, 101:120;11[A ]| encouragingly, 101:120;11@a | ""that$3$ I shall draw any false inference from any 101:120;12@a | communication that$6#1$ you may do me the honour of making to$4$ 101:120;13@a | me in$4$ confidence. Your well-known character as a gentleman of 101:120;14@a | clear judgment and sound common sense is a sufficient 101:120;15@a | guarantee that$3$ any information you may give me, or 101:120;16@a | communication you may make, will$1$ be well worthy of attention."" 101:120;17[A ]| ""Thank you!"" 101:120;17[A ]| replied he, 101:120;17[A ]| ""but in$4$ this matter I am positively 101:120;18[A ]| afraid that$3$ my ordinary judgment is at fault; but if you can 101:120;19[A ]| afford me time I will$1$ relate the circumstances, and allow you to$9$ 101:120;20[A ]| form your own opinion upon$4$ the matter."" 101:120;20[A ]| Of course I signified my readiness ~~ nay, 101:120;21[A ]| anxiety to$9$ listen, and Mr*Longmore commenced thus:~~ 101:120;22[A ]| ""My house is, as I dare say you know, at this side of the suburbs, 101:120;23[A ]| and quite near to$4$ the river. I reside in$4$ it with my only daughter 101:120;24[A ]| and three servants, one male and two females. The house has no$2$ 101:120;25[A ]| upper story; the front windows are French, all open into the 101:120;26[A ]| grounds, the back part of the establishment, stables, yard, etc%, 101:120;27[A ]| being separated from the front gardens by$4$ a high stone wall. Into 101:120;28[A ]| the back yard the kitchen and ordinary apartments open, so$3$ that$3$ 101:120;29[A ]| unless through the house itself no$2$ communication can be held by$4$ 101:120;30[A ]| any of the servants with the pleasure-grounds; unless, indeed, they 101:120;31[A ]| were to$9$ go down andapproach by$4$ the river. I tell you all this so$3$ 101:120;32[A ]| that$3$ you may be in$4$ the same position as I have found myself, as 101:120;33[A ]| to$4$ the possibility of finding a natural solution of the singular 101:120;34[A ]| difficulty which$6#1$ I am about to$9$ relate to$4$ you. The door of communication 101:120;35[A ]| between the front and back portions of my house I am 101:120;36[A ]| particularly careful to$9$ secure every night myself, my early residence 101:120;37[A ]| in$4$ the colony having made me very cautious in$4$ guarding against 101:120;38[A ]| surprise of any kind, and my daughter's safety is of greater moment 101:120;39[A ]| than my own, so$3$ that$3$ I am even more careful in$4$ these matters than 101:120;40[A ]| I might have been. 101:120;41[A ]| ""This night week I had retired at my usual hour, or perhaps a 101:120;42[A ]| little later. Everything was quiet, my daughter as well as the 101:120;43[A ]| servants had gone to$4$ their rooms some time before. 101:121;01[A ]| ""It was a wild, dark night, but as I burn a lamp in$4$ my room it 101:121;02[A ]| is of course lighted, although dimly. For$4$ some time I had been 101:121;03[A ]| asleep, what awoke me I cannot tell; the first thing on$4$ which$6#1$ my 101:121;04[A ]| eyes rested was a form ~~ a figure, or the semblance of one: it was 101:121;05[A ]| standing at the foot of my bed, and was that$6#2$ of a female! I was not 101:121;06[A ]| alarmed, for$3$ the idea that$3$ it was my daughter immediately 101:121;07[A ]| suggested itself, so$3$ I raised myself upon$4$ my elbow for$4$ the purpose 101:121;08[A ]| of asking if anything was the matter. As soon as I did so$5#2$ I instantly 101:121;09[A ]| perceived that$3$ the face was strange to$4$ me. 101:121;10[A ]| ""The figure was slight, attired in$4$ a white robe; the features had 101:121;11[A ]| a horrible expression of terror, and their death-like pallor was 101:121;12[A ]| increased by$4$ the contrast presented by$4$ the longest and heaviest 101:121;13[A ]| black hair I ever saw, which$6#1$ hung over her left breast and reached 101:121;14[A ]| down to$4$ her knees. Her dress was of silken material, for$3$ I heard it 101:121;15[A ]| rustling; and all over the front, and also upon$4$ the loose sleeves, it 101:121;16[A ]| was clotted with blood."" 101:121;17[A ]| Here the narrator stopped, apparently quite overcome with the 101:121;18[A ]| recollection of the scene that$6#1$ he had been describing, and I must 101:121;19[A ]| confess that$3$ I could hardly repress a smile at such emotion being 101:121;20[A ]| felt by$4$ a person of Mr*Longmore's sense and experience, about 101:121;21[A ]| such a piece of absurdity; and I dare say he read the expression of my 101:121;22[A ]| feelings in$4$ my face, for$3$ he remarked, ~~ 101:121;23[A ]| ""I can scarcely feel surprised that$3$ you should be inclined to$9$ treat 101:121;24[A ]| the matter as a joke, Mr*Brooke; it is a very singular story to$9$ 101:121;25[A ]| relate, and I do not expect you to$9$ give it credence without proving 101:121;26[A ]| its truth yourself."" 101:121;27@a | ""Oh, I hope, sir,"" 101:121;27[A ]| I hastened to$9$ observe, 101:121;27@a | ""you do not suppose for$4$ 101:121;28@a | a moment that$3$ I doubt your veracity, only to$4$ my professional mind 101:121;29@a | the apparition looks very like$4$ a hoax which$6#1$ some one is playing off 101:121;30@a | upon$4$ you; but if you will$1$ narrate the facts we can talk of these 101:121;31@a | things afterwards."" 101:121;32[A ]| ""I have very little to$9$ add. The appearance which$6#1$ I have described 101:121;33[A ]| has visited me every night ~~ in$4$ spite of barred doors and 101:121;34[A ]| windows, ~~ each time waving its hand impatiently, as if beckoning 101:121;35[A ]| me to$9$ follow."" 101:121;36@a | ""And you never followed?"" 101:121;37[A ]| ""No$7$! I must confess that$3$ I felt too horrified to$9$ attempt moving 101:121;38[A ]| whilst the figure stood so$5#1$ immediately before me. I felt frozen to$4$ 101:121;39[A ]| the bed, as it were; indeed, I assure you it is a fearful sight!"" 101:121;40@a | ""Will$1$ you permit me to$9$ inquire, Mr*Longmore, are you at all 101:121;41@a | superstitious?"" 101:121;42[A ]| ""In the sense you mean I am not superstitious. If I met with 101:121;43[A ]| anything so$5#1$ peculiar in$4$ appearance as to$9$ be quite beyond the ordinary 101:122;01[A ]| run of natural events, before setting it down to$9$ be supernatural 101:122;02[A ]| or apparitional I should certainly do my utmost to$9$ find a natural 101:122;03[A ]| cause or causes for$4$ it, as I have done in$4$ this instance; failing in$4$ that$6#2$, 101:122;04[A ]| I am ready to$9$ acknowledge there are 101:122;04@z | "more things in$4$ heaven and 101:122;05@z | earth than are dreamt of in$4$ our philosophy." 101:122;05[A ]| Still, had I been as 101:122;06[A ]| really superstitious as you appear to$9$ think me, I should not have 101:122;07[A ]| been here to$9$ ask your more practised assistance in$4$ trying to$9$ unravel 101:122;08[A ]| this mystery."" 101:122;09@a | ""Well,"" 101:122;09[A ]| I replied, laughingly, 101:122;09@a | ""I am inclined to$9$ feel certain that$3$ we 101:122;10@a | shall easily prove this visitation not to$9$ be one from a spiritual 101:122;11@a | kingdom; for$3$ in$4$ truth, Mr*Longmore, I do not believe in$4$ ghosts!"" 101:122;12[A ]| ""Because you have never seen one."" 101:122;13[A ]| I did not reply to$4$ this observation, as I perceived that$3$ his nerves 101:122;14[A ]| had been much affected, and not without wonder; the appearance 101:122;15[A ]| of such a figure in$4$ one's bedroom night after night, in$4$ spite of locks 101:122;16[A ]| and bolts, was enough to$9$ shake any man's judgment; nevertheless, 101:122;17[A ]| I had not the slightest doubt that$3$ the professional cunning upon$4$ 101:122;18[A ]| which$6#1$ I prided myself would expose the trick of some conspiracy, 101:122;19[A ]| formed, I was sure, for$4$ no$2$ good purpose. 101:122;20@a | ""Have you mentioned this to$4$ any one, Mr*Longmore?"" 101:122;21[A ]| ""No$7$, I have not; I was afraid of alarming my daughter. I do 101:122;22[A ]| sincerely hope that$3$ you will$1$ be able to$9$ get to$4$ the bottom of it. The 101:122;23[A ]| knowledge of such an unaccountable visitation, such a horrible 101:122;24[A ]| appearance, being night after night in$4$ the immediate neighbourhood 101:122;25[A ]| of my unsuspecting child is almost overwhelming me. Now 101:122;26[A ]| what steps will$1$ you take?"" 101:122;27[A ]| I considered for$4$ a moment before I answered, and then 101:122;28[A ]| mentioned my intention of spending that$6#2$ night in$4$ Mr*Longmore's 101:122;29[A ]| bedroom. 101:122;30@a | ""Could you get in$5$ without any one suspecting that$3$ you had a 101:122;31@a | visitor?"" 101:122;31[A ]| I inquired; 101:122;31@a | ""and could you manage to$9$ let me occupy your 101:122;32@a | room in$4$ secrecy also?"" 101:122;33[A ]| ""Oh, easily enough. Only name the hour you will$1$ be at the side 101:122;34[A ]| entrance into the garden, and I will$1$ admit you myself. It is usual 101:122;35[A ]| after dusk for$4$ me to$9$ smoke my cigar near the river."" 101:122;36[A ]| Having made suitable arrangements Mr*Longmore left me. 101:122;37[A ]| I sat down and considered the matter on$4$ all sides. What was the 101:122;38[A ]| object in$4$ thus acting the ghost in$4$ the bedroom of a man of Mr*Longmore's 101:122;39[A ]| well-known strength of mind? From what I knew of 101:122;40[A ]| that$6#2$ gentleman's character I was much surprised at the weakness 101:122;41[A ]| he had shown, the earthly, and I had no$2$ doubt criminal nature of 101:122;42[A ]| which$6#1$ only wanted a little keen-sighted perseverance to$9$ be proved. 101:122;43[A ]| As to$4$ ghosts, and entrances effected without any existing means 101:122;44[A ]| of ingress ~~ bah! it was all fudge. My intention, in$4$ the first place 101:123;01[A ]| was to$9$ see, if possible, this singular apparition; and while doing 101:123;02[A ]| nothing more than simply affecting to$9$ be the ordinary occupier of 101:123;03[A ]| Mr*Longmore's bed, for$4$ the first night to$9$ make good use of my 101:123;04[A ]| eyes, and be guided in$4$ any further attempts at unravelment by$4$ my 101:123;05[A ]| observations. Well, at the appointed time I was conducted by$4$ 101:123;06[A ]| Mr*Longmore into his bedroom, the servants, as well as Miss*Longmore, 101:123;07[A ]| having retired. I was at liberty to$9$ examine the room 101:123;08[A ]| at leisure. The apartment was a good size, perhaps sixteen feet by$4$ 101:123;09[A ]| twenty-two, and had two large French windows that$6#1$ opened on$4$ 101:123;10[A ]| a verandah which$6#1$ ran along the front of the house. These windows 101:123;11[A ]| consisted each of a single sheet of plate glass in$4$ handsome 101:123;12[A ]| mahogany framework, and faced directly the Derwent, called, as 101:123;13[A ]| I have before mentioned, at that$6#2$ spot, Sullivan's*Cove. With its 101:123;14[A ]| head against the wall, opposite to$4$ the windows, stood a large 101:123;15[A ]| elegant bedstead, with a canopy at the head, from which$6#1$ depended 101:123;16[A ]| rich damask curtains, that$6#1$ only formed a shelter to$4$ the head of the 101:123;17[A ]| bedstead, leaving the foot entirely unprotected. On$4$ the right hand 101:123;18[A ]| of the bed was the door opening into a dressing-room, which$6#1$ 101:123;19[A ]| communicated with the other portion of the establishment. By$4$ the 101:123;20[A ]| wall at the left was the toilet-table; upon$4$ it stood a deeply shaded 101:123;21[A ]| night lamp. There was also a chimney in$4$ the room, but as the grate 101:123;22[A ]| was one of the stove description I did not trouble myself about it. 101:123;23[A ]| The windows and doors I left entirely to$4$ Mr*Longmore's inspection, 101:123;24[A ]| taking his word that$3$ they were fastened as usual. 101:123;25[A ]| When this was all right we seated ourselves beside a table, where 101:123;26[A ]| my entertainer had taken care to$9$ have refreshment, and after 101:123;27[A ]| partaking of a glass of wine I lit my cigar, begging my host to$9$ 101:123;28[A ]| excuse my invariable practice before retiring. It had not escaped my 101:123;29[A ]| keen observation that$3$ the gentleman on$4$ whose behalf I had volunteered 101:123;30[A ]| to$9$ encounter a ghost had shown indubitable signs of a mind 101:123;31[A ]| ill at ease ever since he had ushered me into his house. Taking 101:123;32[A ]| advantage of the wreaths of smoke that$6#1$ soon curled up$5$ between 101:123;33[A ]| my lips, I watched him as he sat opposite to$4$ me more closely than 101:123;34[A ]| I should otherwise have had an opportunity of doing. 101:123;35[A ]| He was gazing down at the floor, occasionally sipping his wine 101:123;36[A ]| in$4$ an abstracted manner, with a thoughtful and troubled expression 101:123;37[A ]| upon$4$ his face, but looking up$5$ once, and encountering my eyes 101:123;38[A ]| steadfastly, and I suspect searchingly, fixed upon$4$ his countenance, 101:123;39[A ]| he became red and pale by$4$ turns, and at length addressed me 101:123;40[A ]| hurriedly. 101:123;41[A ]| ""I am afraid, Mr*Brooke, that$3$ I have done wrong in$4$ this business 101:123;42[A ]| as I have given you trouble, I think. I believe I should have 101:123;43[A ]| told you everything."" 101:123;44@a | ""Certainly, Mr*Longmore,"" 101:123;44[A ]| was my reply. 101:123;44@a | ""If you seek my 101:124;01@a | professional services I think I have a right to$9$ learn everything you 101:124;02@a | know in$4$ connection with it."" 101:124;03[A ]| ""It is true; it is quite true. And yet I think you will$1$ make allowance 101:124;04[A ]| for$4$ my disinclination to$9$ speak of this circumstance. There are 101:124;05[A ]| some things of the past so$5#1$ painful that$3$ I may be excused if I feel 101:124;06[A ]| disinclination to$9$ allude to$4$ them."" 101:124;07@a | ""Well, sir, if you regret having mentioned the subject to$4$ me, 101:124;08@a | forget that$3$ you have done so$5#2$, and nobody shall be the wiser."" 101:124;09[A ]| ""No$7$, no$7$; you quite mistake me. I am anxious to$9$ tell you at once 101:124;10[A ]| of what I should have informed you before, and it is simply that$3$ 101:124;11[A ]| this ~~ this apparition bears the semblance of one with whom I was 101:124;12[A ]| too well acquainted."" 101:124;13@a | ""May I ask of whom?"" 101:124;14[A ]| ""My wife!"" 101:124;15@a | ""Your wife?"" 101:124;15[A ]| I exclaimed, and then checked myself at once as the 101:124;16[A ]| cause of Mr*Longmore's awkardness and evident trouble of mind 101:124;17[A ]| flashed before me. I now remembered having heard a great deal of 101:124;18[A ]| gossip about this said wife. She had eloped years before from this 101:124;19[A ]| very house in$4$ a most disgraceful manner, and with a most unprincipled, 101:124;20[A ]| low rascal. I respected my host's feelings of course, and felt 101:124;21[A ]| grieved that$3$ anything should have occurred with which$6#1$ I had any 101:124;22[A ]| connection to$9$ bring the memory of the transaction again before 101:124;23[A ]| him. 101:124;24@a | ""And you think the figure resembles that$6#2$ person?"" 101:124;24[A ]| I inquired. 101:124;25[A ]| ""It is herself!"" 101:124;25[A ]| was the determined reply. 101:124;26@a | ""Well, I must say I think it very likely it is. What more probable 101:124;27@a | than that$3$ she should be acquainted with some outlet from this room 101:124;28@a | which$6#1$ you do not know?"" 101:124;29[A ]| Mr. Longmore shook his head. 101:124;30[A ]| ""It is not she alive,"" 101:124;30[A ]| he said. 101:124;31@a | ""Do you then really and positively believe that$3$ this visitation is 101:124;32@a | a supernatural one?"" 101:124;32[A ]| I asked, in$4$ much surprise. 101:124;33[A ]| ""I do! I am willing that$3$ every means of discovery shall be tried; 101:124;34[A ]| but when you have seen it, I think you will$1$ acknowledge that$3$ I must 101:124;35[A ]| believe it is supernatural."" 101:124;36[A ]| This was very positive and very singular to$4$ me. That$3$ any man 101:124;37[A ]| in$4$ these days of enlightenment, and possessed of his full allowance 101:124;38[A ]| of brains, should insist upon$4$ the existence of a ghost ~~ if I am not 101:124;39[A ]| making a ""bull"" in$4$ so$5#2$ saying ~~ was a matter beyond my comprehension; 101:124;40[A ]| and as I turned into Mr*Longmore's stately bed, after he had 101:124;41[A ]| taken up$5$ his quarters on$4$ a couch in$4$ the dressing-room, I am afraid 101:124;42[A ]| I allowed myself to$9$ consider for$4$ a moment how long in$4$ all probability 101:124;43[A ]| it was likely to$9$ be ere this far-seeing merchant should 101:125;01[A ]| become the inmate of an asylum, where the beds would not be half 101:125;02[A ]| so$5#1$ soft or the rooms so$5#1$ luxurious as the one which$6#1$ I occupied as 101:125;03[A ]| the temporary tenant of this ""haunted house."" My clothes I had not 101:125;04[A ]| removed, and my revolver lay handy; indeed, since the last 101:125;05[A ]| communication of my host, I made up$5$ my mind to$9$ bring the 101:125;06[A ]| matter to$4$ an end that$6#2$ night. This ghost, be it as active as it liked, 101:125;07[A ]| would have to$9$ use all its supernatural power to$9$ enable it to$9$ escape 101:125;08[A ]| from my clutches; for$3$ I had no$2$ doubt that$3$ I should succeed in$4$ 101:125;09[A ]| grabbing' the late Mrs*Longmore before she had time to$9$ invoke 101:125;10[A ]| the powers of darkness, or find her usual mode of egress. An 101:125;11[A ]| officer of ten years' experience in$4$ the detective force was not born 101:125;12[A ]| yesterday! And so$3$ I lay thinking over things quietly, hour after 101:125;13[A ]| hour striking upon$4$ the ornamental clock that$6#1$ stood upon$4$ the 101:125;14[A ]| mantelpiece, until it was half-past one. 101:125;15[A ]| It was a cloudy night, a chill wind blew up$5$ from the cove, which$6#1$ 101:125;16[A ]| made a sighing and sad whispering among the trees that$6#1$ shaded the 101:125;17[A ]| house; the lately risen moon ~~ now streaming in$5$ through the 101:125;18[A ]| verandah, and casting shadows of vine leaves and creepers upon$4$ the 101:125;19[A ]| carpet ~~ shadows that$6#1$ waved and shook, as the agitated air waved 101:125;20[A ]| and shook the foliage outside ~~ was occasionally obscured, and left 101:125;21[A ]| the room almost in$4$ complete darkness, as I had screwed down the 101:125;22[A ]| lamp as low as possible. I had made up$5$ my mind by$4$ this time that$3$ 101:125;23[A ]| the conspirator or conspirators had found out my presence in$4$ the 101:125;24[A ]| apartment, and had thought it safer not to$9$ attempt any of their 101:125;25[A ]| pranks upon$4$ me. At this moment the moon became cloudy, the 101:125;26[A ]| room was nearly, but not quite in$4$ darkness; when suddenly, and 101:125;27[A ]| without any apparent reason ~~ I had seen nothing, I had heard 101:125;28[A ]| nothing ~~ I felt myself getting cold, cold as the dead; and then, and 101:125;29[A ]| not until then, I heard a rustling as it were of silk; involuntarily 101:125;30[A ]| my eyes settled upon$4$ the space at the foot of the bed, a distinct 101:125;31[A ]| shadow was there, but only a shadow, out of which$6#1$ my eyes could 101:125;32[A ]| form no$2$ distinct figure or semblance; in$4$ a second or two it grew 101:125;33[A ]| white ~~ whiter; at length against the dark background the white-dressed 101:125;34[A ]| woman stood out visibly and clearly; the long hair hanging 101:125;35[A ]| unfastened over her left breast, with blood spattered on$4$ the white 101:125;36[A ]| silk of her robe! But her face ~~ oh, how horrible! I could not help 101:125;37[A ]| feeling it impossible for$4$ a living face to$9$ look so$5#2$ by$4$ any contrivance 101:125;38[A ]| whatever. I was horror-stricken ~~ I could not breathe. I felt as if 101:125;39[A ]| all my faculties were frozen; my eyes were fixed on$4$ that$6#2$ ghostly 101:125;40[A ]| figure, which$6#1$ now lifted an arm and waved, as if to$9$ follow. The 101:125;41[A ]| face of this woman, as Mr*Longmore had said, was full of 101:125;42[A ]| combined agony and terror. Although this continued only a few 101:125;43[A ]| seconds, I was for$4$ the time paralyzed. I made an effort, however. 101:126;01@a | ""Am I going to$9$ allow myself to$9$ be made a laughing stock?"" 101:126;01[A ]| Perhaps 101:126;02[A ]| the touch of the pistol, which$6#1$ I felt at this moment against my 101:126;03[A ]| fingers, helped to$9$ recall me to$4$ myself; at any rate, I bounded out 101:126;04[A ]| of bed, rushed toward the figure, resolved to$9$ grapple with it to$4$ the 101:126;05[A ]| death. It was gone! not a moment did I lose. I pushed back the bolt 101:126;06[A ]| of the window, near which$6#1$ the figure had disappeared, opened it, 101:126;07[A ]| and rushed on$4$ the verandah. There stood the phantom on$4$ the lawn, 101:126;08[A ]| rendered now visible by$4$ the moonlight; it was still beckoning to$4$ 101:126;09[A ]| me to$9$ come! Worked up$5$ to$4$ frenzy, I took a steady aim at the vision 101:126;10[A ]| with my revolver; I fired, and then rushed toward it again. There 101:126;11[A ]| it was, but a little farther off~~ still beckoning, and so$3$ I followed 101:126;12[A ]| and followed, without appearing to$9$ gain on$4$ it in$4$ the slightest 101:126;13[A ]| degree. The report of the pistol had aroused Mr*Longmore, who$6#1$ 101:126;14[A ]| now joined me. 101:126;15[A ]| The figure in$4$ white moved in$4$ the direction of the river, which$6#1$, 101:126;16[A ]| as I have before said, was in$4$ front of the house; the grounds 101:126;17[A ]| belonging to$4$ Mr*Longmore extended down to$4$ it. The shrubbery 101:126;18[A ]| went round a grassy hollow not far from the water, in$4$ a spot so$5#1$ 101:126;19[A ]| low that$3$ it was occasionally a receptacle for$4$ the surplus rain-water 101:126;20[A ]| that$6#1$ lodged in$4$ it, and formed a pond. At the time I write it was 101:126;21[A ]| quite dry, and I only became aware afterwards from Mr*Longmore 101:126;22[A ]| that$3$ such had frequently been the case. On$4$ reaching the centre of 101:126;23[A ]| this grassy hollow the figure stopped until we came within a 101:126;24[A ]| distance of about twenty yards, and then, wildly tossing its clasped 101:126;25[A ]| hands above its head, appeared to$9$ fall prone upon$4$ the earth. Not 101:126;26[A ]| only was there nothing on$4$ the ground when we reached it, but 101:126;27[A ]| there was nothing to$9$ see nor hear on$4$ the shore, or in$4$ the shrubbery; 101:126;28[A ]| not a vestige of anything did the most rigid search discover; and 101:126;29[A ]| as the moon had again become invisible, Mr*Longmore and I went 101:126;30[A ]| back to$4$ the ""haunted room."" He was as pale as a corpse, and I freely 101:126;31[A ]| confess I was not sorry to$9$ be helped to$4$ a glass of wine. 101:126;32[A ]| ""What do you think of it?"" 101:126;32[A ]| he whisperingly inquired. 101:126;33@a | ""Let us speak of it by$4$ daylight, sir,"" 101:126;33[A ]| I replied, flinging myself 101:126;34[A ]| upon$4$ a sofa, and, in$4$ truth, I was positively ashamed to$9$ say what 101:126;35[A ]| I did think of it. As soon as it was light I commenced a thorough 101:126;36[A ]| examination of the room. I could make nothing of it. 101:126;37[A ]| I could not account for$4$ the entrance of the bullet-proof visitant 101:126;38[A ]| of the night. I then walked to$4$ the foot of the lawn, and sat down 101:126;39[A ]| close to$4$ the spot where the figure had vanished; being an inveterate 101:126;40[A ]| smoker, I took a cigar to$9$ clear my intellect and soothe my 101:126;41[A ]| agitation. 101:126;42[A ]| As I smoked I observed at the bottom of this little hollow, the 101:126;43[A ]| ground, which$6#1$ elsewhere was covered with green, fresh-looking 101:126;44[A ]| grass, strown for$4$ a small space with a layer composed of what 101:127;01[A ]| appeared to$9$ be a mixture of dead leaves, chips, and rushes, mixed 101:127;02[A ]| with some kind of soil; in$4$ short, just such a sediment as might have 101:127;03[A ]| been left as the deposit of a dried-up pool. On$4$ a closer examination 101:127;04[A ]| I fancied I could detect signs of a late disturbance of the soil in$4$ that$6#2$ 101:127;05[A ]| particular place. What could have suggested to$4$ me the idea of 101:127;06[A ]| making a search in$4$ the ground there I am totally unable to$9$ explain; 101:127;07[A ]| it was one of those singularly instinctive thoughts for$4$ which$6#1$ there 101:127;08[A ]| is no$2$ accounting; certain it is, however, that$3$ I at once decided, 101:127;09[A ]| before I took another step in$4$ the matter, to$9$ get the assistance of one 101:127;10[A ]| of the force to$9$ examine this hollow before any person would be 101:127;11[A ]| likely to$9$ be on$4$ the river or about to$9$ make observations on$4$ our 101:127;12[A ]| movements . 101:127;13[A ]| Returning to$4$ the house, I found Mr*Longmore just dressing, 101:127;14[A ]| looking miserably pale and wretched. I felt sorry for$4$ the man, but 101:127;15[A ]| as my silence I had no$2$ doubt would be more grateful to$4$ him than 101:127;16[A ]| any sympathy, I merely informed him of my intention, and taking 101:127;17[A ]| the key of the side gate, went toward the police camp. 101:127;18[A ]| Going along Macquarie*Street, I fortunately met the very man 101:127;19[A ]| I should have chosen as an assistant where I wished for$4$ a closed 101:127;20[A ]| mouth. I despatched him for$4$ tools, and when he joined me we 101:127;21[A ]| proceeded on$4$ our return to$4$ Mr*Longmore's. 101:127;22[A ]| ""What do you expect to$9$ find?"" 101:127;22[A ]| inquired that$6#2$ gentleman, who$6#1$ 101:127;23[A ]| stood beside us when we commenced shovelling the loose soil from 101:127;24[A ]| the place. 101:127;25[A ]| I could only shake my head, and in$4$ a few moments my 101:127;26[A ]| companion's spade scraped against some wooden substance; at the 101:127;27[A ]| empty, hollow sound Mr*Longmore's face grew death-like. 101:127;28@a | ""Perhaps you had better go up$5$ to$4$ the house, sir,"" 101:127;28[A ]| I said. 101:127;29[A ]| ""No$7$,"" 101:127;29[A ]| he replied, with an effort; 101:127;29[A ]| ""go on$5$!"" 101:127;30[A ]| Quickly, then, we uncovered a deal case with a loosely fastened, 101:127;31[A ]| ill-fitting lid: it was about four feet long by$4$ three wide, and perhaps 101:127;32[A ]| two feet deep; it looked like$4$ a soft goods' case, which$6#1$ I dare say 101:127;33[A ]| it had been. 101:127;34[A ]| Well, we lifted it from the hole, Mr%*Longmore still standing 101:127;35[A ]| silent and inactive beside us; and I am certain that$3$ I was more 101:127;36[A ]| surprised than either of my companions at the result of our labours, 101:127;37[A ]| as I was the one who$6#1$ really knew how entirely without reasonable 101:127;38[A ]| cause I had set to$9$ work with spade and shovel in$4$ that$6#2$ unlikely place. 101:127;39[A ]| As soon as the box was set upon$4$ the ground I prised off the rough 101:127;40[A ]| lid with my spade, and it fell over to$4$ the side, exposing a lining 101:127;41[A ]| of zinc, which$6#1$ was bent down without any attempt at evenness 101:127;42[A ]| and entirely concealed what remained below it. We unfolded it bit 101:127;43[A ]| by$4$ bit, gradually exposing an object of horror so$5#1$ terrible that$3$ I wish 101:127;44[A ]| I had never seen it. 101:128;01[A ]| Many a night since ~~ when some midnight duty has found me 101:128;02[A ]| on$4$ a lonely patrol ~~ have I fancied, in$4$ the darkness, the figure in$4$ 101:128;03[A ]| that$6#2$ deal box. It was a dead woman! and the facsimile of the 101:128;04[A ]| phantom that$6#1$ visited me in$4$ the darkness of the night before! The 101:128;05[A ]| figure lay upon$4$ its right side, the knees slightly drawn up$5$ so$3$ as to$9$ 101:128;06[A ]| enable it to$9$ fit in$4$ the case; and it was dressed in$4$ the identical rich 101:128;07[A ]| white silk, every fold of which$6#1$ seemed familiar to$4$ me. 101:128;08[A ]| The long, heavy black hair was loose, and gathered at one side 101:128;09[A ]| lay scattered over the left shoulder; and upon$4$ the skirt of the blood-stained 101:128;10[A ]| dress, and under the hair, where it lay clogged and clotted, 101:128;11[A ]| remained still the handle of a Spanish knife ~~ the blade had passed 101:128;12[A ]| through the unfortunate woman's heart! Although the body lay 101:128;13[A ]| upon$4$ its side, as the space was confined, the head was turned so$3$ 101:128;14[A ]| that$3$ the face looked upward, with the glaring wide open eyes fixed 101:128;15[A ]| in$4$ a look so$5#1$ full of fear and horror that$6#1$ I can never forget it, and 101:128;16[A ]| with one glance at the well-known face, Mr*Longmore sank to$4$ 101:128;17[A ]| the ground in$4$ a swoon. He had recognised his wife! 101:128;18[A ]| It passed over in$4$ the usual way~~ an inquest resulting in$4$ an open 101:128;19[A ]| verdict, and a large offered reward posted on$4$ the walls, and printed 101:128;20[A ]| in$4$ the*Gazette. Mr*Longmore had long left Hobart*Town, glad 101:128;21[A ]| to$9$ escape anywhere from a place so$5#1$ fraught with horrible 101:128;22[A ]| memories. 101:128;23[A ]| One night I was seated in$4$ the same room where, twelve months 101:128;24[A ]| before, Mr*Longmore had sought and found me about this business 101:128;25[A ]| of mysterious termination, when a tall young man of seventeen 101:128;26[A ]| inquired for$4$ me, and gained admittance. He looked like$4$ a 101:128;27[A ]| sailor, in$4$ his hand he held a paper, which$6#1$ he opened and handed 101:128;28[A ]| to$4$ me; it was one of the posters to$4$ which$6#1$ I have alluded, 101:128;29[A ]| commencing under the offered reward with the usual 101:128;29@z | ""Whereas,"" 101:128;30[A ]| etc. The paper was torn and partly destroyed, but not sufficiently 101:128;31[A ]| to$9$ hinder one from perusing the principal parts of it. 101:128;32[A ]| ""I suppose you remember that$6#2$, sir?"" 101:128;32[A ]| said the young man. When 101:128;33[A ]| I replied in$4$ the affirmative, he entered into the following narrative 101:128;34[A ]| which$6#1$ I shall give as nearly as possible in$4$ his own words. 101:128;35[A ]| ""I only came to$4$ this port last night, and to-day I went into a shop 101:128;36[A ]| to$9$ buy some toggery, the woman wrapped some of the things in$4$ 101:128;37[A ]| that$6#2$ paper; when I came to$9$ look it over, I thought I could give 101:128;38[A ]| some information about it, and when I told a policeman he referred 101:128;39[A ]| me to$4$ you."" 101:128;40@a | ""Well, then, my man,"" 101:128;40[A ]| I replied, 101:128;40@a | ""sit down and tell me what you 101:128;41@a | can."" 101:128;42[A ]| ""Nearly twelve months ago I belonged to$4$ a brig called the Water*Snake, 101:128;43[A ]| owned and commanded by$4$ a man of the name of Walter*Cuvier."" 101:129;01[A ]| I rather started at this, as Walter*Cuvier was the name of the man 101:129;02[A ]| with whom the murdered Mrs*Longmore had eloped. 101:129;03[A ]| ""I was cabin boy in$4$ the Water*Snake, and had been in$4$ that$6#2$ brig 101:129;04[A ]| a couple of years."" 101:129;05@a | ""Can you tell me what Captain*Cuvier did with his vessel? In$4$ 101:129;06@a | what trade was he?"" 101:129;07[A ]| ""You know, sir, that$6#2$ was none of my business. He traded on$4$ his 101:129;08[A ]| own account, and I think principally in$4$ contraband goods. Well, 101:129;09[A ]| as I said before, I was cabin boy in$4$ the Water*Snake, and all the time 101:129;10[A ]| I was in$4$ her the captain had his wife with him, at least a woman 101:129;11[A ]| who$6#1$ passed for$4$ his wife, and I do believe that$3$ the body found in$4$ 101:129;12[A ]| this bill was the woman we used to$9$ call Mrs*Cuvier."" 101:129;13@a | ""What makes you think so$5#2$?"" 101:129;14[A ]| ""I think I am sure of it, and I will$1$ tell you, why, sir. The captain 101:129;15[A ]| and the missis did not live very comfortable at times, and when 101:129;16[A ]| he was drunk he was a real brute; and the missis herself I am certain 101:129;17[A ]| took a drop too much, so$3$ they had terrible shindies. Well, we came 101:129;18[A ]| from Calcutta here, and, tired of being kicked and cuffed, I determined 101:129;19[A ]| to$9$ bolt the very first chance, and give Cuvier leg-bail for$4$ 101:129;20[A ]| it. We cast anchor in$4$ the cove last May, and that$6#2$ very night, as I 101:129;21[A ]| was in$4$ the pantry washing up$5$ the glasses, I heard such a row 101:129;22[A ]| between the captain and the missis in$4$ their state-room, she insisting 101:129;23[A ]| on$4$ ""going back"" somewhere, crying her eyes out all the time, and 101:129;24[A ]| he swearing he would kill her first, until at last he told her to$9$ 101:129;24@d | ""go back 101:129;25@d | and be ~~ ."" 101:129;25[A ]| Shortly after the captain ordered the boat to$9$ be lowered. 101:129;26[A ]| He took me into the cabin to$9$ help him with a box like$4$ the one 101:129;27[A ]| described in$4$ this; and as I went back to$9$ get something he had 101:129;28[A ]| forgotten, I saw Mrs*Cuvier getting ready to$9$ go ashore. She was 101:129;29[A ]| dressed very handsome, and it looked like$4$ a white silk gown she 101:129;30[A ]| had got on$5$. She gave me a glass of wine, and shook hands with 101:129;31[A ]| me, saying she was going to$9$ leave the ship and go to$4$ her friends. 101:129;32[A ]| I thought nothing of it, having, as I said before, heard the talk 101:129;33[A ]| between her and the captain. Well, I and one of the sailors rowed 101:129;34[A ]| them ashore, and landed them on$4$ the beach near some trees. It was 101:129;35[A ]| a squally, dark night. So$3$ Mrs*Cuvier shook hands with the other 101:129;36[A ]| man, and bid him good-bye. The captain told us to$9$ shove off again, 101:129;37[A ]| and wait for$4$ him up$5$ at a tavern he pointed out along shore, as he 101:129;38[A ]| had a few words to$9$ say to$4$ the missis before he went; and then he 101:129;39[A ]| gave us the price of a drink or two, so$3$ we went off, leaving him 101:129;40[A ]| and herself sitting on$4$ the box that$6#1$ he said had the woman's clothes 101:129;41[A ]| in$5$. That$6#2$ was the very last time I saw them, for$3$ as soon as my mate 101:129;42[A ]| had a glass or two I took the chance and made tracks, and stowed 101:129;43[A ]| myself aboard the ship Chester, that$6#1$ sailed for$4$ Calcutta the next 101:129;44[A ]| morning and that$6#2$ is all I know about it."" 101:130;01@a | ""And you never saw or heard of Cuvier or his vessel since?"" 101:130;02[A ]| ""No$7$, sir; and if I had I would have given both her and him a wide 101:130;03[A ]| berth."" 101:130;04[A ]| And I have never heard of him since. Perhaps he still lives to$9$ drag 101:130;05[A ]| a miserable consciousness of his crime through a wretched existence. 101:130;06[A ]| Many a time have I pictured to$4$ myself the unfortunate and 101:130;07[A ]| guilty woman returning to$4$ the neighbourhood of her husband and 101:130;08[A ]| child whom she had disgraced, and no$2$ doubt still loved and 101:130;09[A ]| yearned to$9$ see! How often, during the abuse and ill usage of him 101:130;10[A ]| for$4$ whom she had sacrificed everything, had her breaking heart 101:130;11[A ]| prayed for$4$ the peace and rest of the home she had left! And then, 101:130;12[A ]| resolved to$9$ brave all ~~ to$9$ throw herself at the feet of her injured 101:130;13[A ]| husband ~~ to$9$ beg the intercession of her child ~~ did the demon 101:130;14[A ]| murder her upon$4$ the threshold of her hopes? ~~ within sight of the 101:130;15[A ]| very window-lights of the home she longed to$9$ enter once more? 101:130;16[A ]| And who$6#2$ can tell who$6#1$ and what was the midnight visitor to$4$ Mr*Longmore's 101:130;17[A ]| bedroom? Was it the bodily presence of some one 101:130;18[A ]| acquainted with the murder, and who$6#1$ wished the affair to$9$ be 101:130;19[A ]| known without being recognised? To$9$ solve the mystery in$4$ that$6#2$ 101:130;20[A ]| manner seemed impossible, considering all the opposing circumstances 101:130;21[A ]| And thus it has remained unravelled to$4$ this day ~~ a 101:130;22[A ]| mystery into which$6#1$ I carried the closest investigation without being 101:130;23[A ]| wiser by$4$ the inquiry.