301:106,00@@@@@| 301:106,00[A ]| We, members of the police force of Victoria, are, I think, a little ~~ a very 301:106,00[A ]| little ~~ less despised in$4$ this year of grace, eighteen hundred and sixty-five, 301:106,00[A ]| than we were when I first donned the uniform twelve years ago. 301:106,00[A ]| I was a "Cadet" then, and now I am a ~~ ; but I dare say you do not 301:106,00[A ]| care much what I am, so$3$ I may go on$5$ with my adventures. 301:106,00[A ]| Well then, although we may be, on$4$ the whole, a little more thought of 301:106,00[A ]| than we were, I do not know that$3$ we are any better off as a body. 301:106,00[A ]| No*one can deny that$3$ we get less pay at any rate, and just as little thanks 301:106,00[A ]| for$4$ our trouble; witness the names they called us about those bushranging 301:106,00[A ]| affairs, but I suspect they will$1$ let us alone about that$6#2$ now. 301:106,00[A ]| Strange scenes during the licence hunting, eh? but it was nasty work 301:106,00[A ]| that$6#2$; work that$6#1$ I do not like$1$ to$9$ speak of, nor is it necessary that$3$ I should. 301:106,00[A ]| There are many incidents connected with the force, quite amusing and 301:106,00[A ]| interesting enough to$9$ relate without going back to$4$ the despicable days of 301:106,00[A ]| the "traps." 301:106,00[A ]| Poor devils, the name has stuck to$4$ them yet, and a sore point it is, I can 301:106,00[A ]| assure you. 301:106,00[A ]| There was another arrangement by$4$ which$6#1$ we were treated very badly. I 301:106,00[A ]| allude to$4$ the making us act the parts of common spies and informers in$4$ 301:106,00[A ]| "sticking up$5$ and causing to$9$ be stuck up$5$," and so$3$ bringing beneath the 301:106,00[A ]| lash of the law, persons who$6#1$ sold or permitted to$9$ be sold on$4$ their premises 301:106,00[A ]| spirituous liquors without Her Majesty's license thereto. 301:106,00[A ]| Dirty work was that$6#2$ too: work which$6#1$ reflected little credit upon$4$ all concerned 301:106,00[A ]| in$4$ it, and which$6#1$ placed us sometimes in$4$ positions tbe most uninviting 301:106,00[A ]| and derogatory to$4$ the dignity of a preserver of Her Majesty's peace; that$6#2$ is, 301:106,00[A ]| if he is supposed to$9$ have any of that$6#2$ ~~ at times, rather expensive article. 301:106,00[A ]| In$4$ connection with this branch of our service I recollect some incidents 301:106,00[A ]| that$6#1$ may while away the time and will$0$, I have no$2$ doubt, be remembered by$4$ 301:106,00[A ]| some of my mates, as they had many a laugh at my expense at the time 301:106,00[A ]| of their occurrence. 301:106,00[A ]| Eight years ago, then, I was stationed within two miles of diggings, where 301:106,00[A ]| many large nuggets had been turned up$5$, but where the fine gold was so$5#1$ scarce 301:106,00[A ]| that$3$ a poor man had no$2$ chance. The consequence was that$3$ it never was a 301:106,00[A ]| large rush, the diggers being limited to$4$ those who$6#1$ could afford to$9$ wait for$4$ 301:106,00[A ]| weeks or months on$4$ the chance of finding a "big one." The camp had 301:106,00[A ]| been originally in$4$ what had appeared the most convenient locality, but the 301:106,00[A ]| richness of distant gullies had led the population away from its neighbourhood, 301:106,00[A ]| and at the time I write of, it stood, as I have said, at the inconvenient 301:106,00[A ]| distance of two miles from the nearest tent. 301:106,00[A ]| The camp consisted of a single wooden sided, iron roofed erection, so$5#1$ 301:106,00[A ]| familiar to$4$ the many; and its only occupants were myself and a foot constable, 301:106,00[A ]| who$6#1$ spent most of his time lying upon$4$ the grass under a tree smoking. 301:106,00[A ]| I often wondered how Jerry managed to$9$ exist at all; read he did not, and 301:106,00[A ]| think I am sure he could not, for$3$ his brains, poor fellow were not overladen 301:106,00[A ]| with intellectual power. He and I got on$5$ very well together, however. 301:106,00[A ]| I was in$4$ charge of the station, and allowed him to$9$ do just as he liked, while 301:106,00[A ]| I did as I liked myself, and neither of us reported the other. 301:106,00[A ]| My first act on$4$ coming to$4$ these diggings was one not at all likely to$9$ impress 301:106,00[A ]| the general public favourably. I received orders to$9$ "stick up$5$" all stores 301:106,00[A ]| and shanties that$6#1$ sold grog without a license, and although I much disliked 301:106,00[A ]| the work of a "dirty informer," and foresaw the consequences of my 301:107,00[A ]| becoming one, I could not avoid it ; my instructions were strict, and so$3$ my 301:107,00[A ]| first step was to$9$ find a man willing, for$4$ a bonus of ten pounds, five on$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| engagement, and five on$4$ conviction, to$9$ do what nothing but "duty" would 301:107,00[A ]| have obliged me to$9$ do myself. 301:107,00[A ]| For$4$ two or three days I lounged about with my eyes open and my mouth 301:107,00[A ]| too, for$3$ in$4$ my anxiety to$9$ make myself agreeable, I am afraid I over did it; 301:107,00[A ]| and, indeed, it is useless to$9$ deny that$3$ I felt mean enough even in$4$ the prospect 301:107,00[A ]| of such a job, to$9$ feel grateful to$4$ any honest man who$6#1$ met me with a friendly 301:107,00[A ]| greeting. At length, with great perspicuity, I settled on$4$ my man ~~ a low 301:107,00[A ]| sneaking*looking wretch ~~ and after engaging him to$9$ do some fencing at the 301:107,00[A ]| camp, I sounded him on$4$ the point and he agreed to$9$ be my fellow-informer ~~ 301:107,00[A ]| two witnesses in$4$ these affairs being required by$4$ law. 301:107,00[A ]| The next day he commenced fencing, and during the week which$6#1$ followed 301:107,00[A ]| there were many opportunities, without arousing suspicions, of doing the 301:107,00[A ]| business; and we succeeded in$4$ drinking nobblers and not paying for$4$ them 301:107,00[A ]| at seven or eight different stores and shanties. Of course I summoned them 301:107,00[A ]| all, and plenty of black looks I got in$4$ consequence. 301:107,00[A ]| However, the day came, and we were all at the court house, some twenty 301:107,00[A ]| or thirty miles from the diggings at which$6#1$ I was stationed, and which$6#1$ I will$1$ 301:107,00[A ]| call the Gully*Diggings. There we were I say, the summonees looking as 301:107,00[A ]| black as midnight; and I, with note-book in$4$ hand, feeling anything but 301:107,00[A ]| comfortable, and peering anxiously at the door for$4$ my expected witness. I 301:107,00[A ]| might have looked till now, I expect, with the same success, for$3$ he never 301:107,00[A ]| came, having levanted with the five pounds and left me to$9$ do the dirty work 301:107,00[A ]| myself. Of course all the cases fell to$4$ the ground, and I was covered with 301:107,00[A ]| ridicule. Some of the rowdy characters "Joed" me the next day when I 301:107,00[A ]| returned to$4$ the Gully; but two or three of the more respectable storekeepers 301:107,00[A ]| only laughed at the whole affair ~~ "shouted" for$4$ me to$4$ my heart's content, 301:107,00[A ]| taking out the worth of the trouble to$4$ which$6#1$ I had put them in$4$ the most 301:107,00[A ]| unbounded "chaff." Many were the inquiries made as to$4$ whether I had 301:107,00[A ]| heard from my mate yet, and how the fence was getting on$5$, but fortunately I 301:107,00[A ]| am an easy tempered chap, and it does not pay to$9$ indulge in$4$ sensitive feelings 301:107,00[A ]| in$4$ the force, so$3$ I lived it down. 301:107,00[A ]| To$4$ one of these parties, however, it will$1$ be necessary to$9$ refer more 301:107,00[A ]| particularly. His name was "Larry;" Larry what, I do not know; it was 301:107,00[A ]| the only name he had, his place being invariably denominated "Larry's." 301:107,00[A ]| This Larry kept a grog shanty of the lowest description, which$6#1$ was 301:107,00[A ]| frequented by$4$ all the old hands in$4$ the neighbourhood. He himself was 301:107,00[A ]| ostensibly a digger, while the woman who$6#1$ lived with him, took in$5$ washing, as 301:107,00[A ]| a simple blind, no$2$ doubt, for$3$ in$4$ those days their grog trade must have been 301:107,00[A ]| a paying one. 301:107,00[A ]| It was certainly my interest to$9$ keep on$4$ friendly terms with Larry's household, 301:107,00[A ]| as there was one or two of its frequenters over whose movements I was 301:107,00[A ]| anxious to$9$ keep an observant eye, for$4$ reasons best known to$4$ myself and to$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| the Government*Gazette. 301:107,00[A ]| To$4$ Larry's young woman then, I weekly carried my washing, calling 301:107,00[A ]| regularly for$4$ the same, while I used every means of ingratiating myself with 301:107,00[A ]| the occupants of the shanty; succeeding at length in$4$ making myself rather 301:107,00[A ]| a favourite with some, I have reason to$9$ believe, but entirely failing with the 301:107,00[A ]| master of the establishment. 301:107,00[A ]| Larry evidently viewed me with suspicion and ill-concealed dislike, and 301:107,00[A ]| I many a time caught his black looks fixed upon$4$ me with such an expression 301:107,00[A ]| as led me to$9$ suppose that$3$ if I calculated upon$4$ a friend in$4$ him I 301:107,00[A ]| reckoned sadly without my host. With Ellen, however, I was successful, 301:107,00[A ]| and I have no$2$ doubt that$3$ the little extra attention which$6#1$ she bestowed upon$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| me in$4$ the way of getting up$5$ my linen with great care, giving an extra polish 301:107,00[A ]| to$4$ the tumbler ere she mixed carefully my favourite drink, went a good way 301:107,00[A ]| in$4$ confirming the dislike of her amiable partner towards my humble self, 301:107,00[A ]| although he did not recognise the prudence of expressing it more openly. 301:107,00[A ]| Ellen was a young and goodlooking woman, the mother of a baby that$6#1$ she 301:107,00[A ]| carried almost constantly in$4$ her arms, serving customers and even preparing 301:107,00[A ]| the meals with the other, as is often the custom of women with fretting infants. 301:107,00[A ]| I have often thought it a pity that$3$ the poor girl's lot should have been cast 301:107,00[A ]| among such rascals, to$4$ whom she was much superior in$4$ many respects, 301:107,00[A ]| having been, I should judge from her appearance and manner, a servant in$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| some honest household; while Larry and his mates were of the very offscourings 301:107,00[A ]| of humanity. Poor Ellen, simple minded, and always I think a little 301:107,00[A ]| weak headed, was daily becoming reduced more and more to$4$ the level of 301:107,00[A ]| those around her. She was getting more and more addicted to$4$ the cursed 301:107,00[A ]| liquor amongst which$6#1$ she lived; and it at length became no$2$ uncommon 301:107,00[A ]| thing to$9$ see her staggering up$4$ the street still carrying the unfortunate child, 301:107,00[A ]| with its clothes, as well as her own, the picture of neglect and untidiness. 301:107,00[A ]| At the distance of perhaps a mile from Larry's, at the very further end of 301:107,00[A ]| the diggings, was another shanty to$4$ which$6#1$ I shall be obliged to$9$ introduce my 301:107,00[A ]| readers; with what hesitancy and dislike they may be able to$9$ judge when 301:107,00[A ]| they read further. 301:107,00[A ]| A man does not like$1$ to$9$ blow much about circumstances and places in$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| connection with which$6#1$ he has made an ass of himself, but occasionally it is 301:107,00[A ]| beneficial to$9$ sacrifice one's little touchiness, so$3$ here goes. 301:107,00[A ]| This other shanty then, was kept with an air of respectability that$6#1$ did not 301:107,00[A ]| belong to$4$ the calling, by$4$ a brother and sister; the brother digging during 301:107,00[A ]| the day, the sister minding the house. The sister was ~~ ; bah! I need not 301:107,00[A ]| describe her. I thought her perfection in$4$ every way; and to$9$ make a long 301:107,00[A ]| story short, fell over head and heels in$4$ love with her, making of myself the 301:107,00[A ]| veriest spooney that$6#1$ ever disgraced the silver striped arm of Her*Majesty's 301:107,00[A ]| blue police jacket. I saw the foolery of the course I was pursuing, but at 301:107,00[A ]| last we settled it all comfortably thus. After a little time I was to$9$ resign, 301:107,00[A ]| marry my inamorata, and keep a shanty myself for$4$ all I knew; nothing of 301:107,00[A ]| that$6#2$ sort troubled me; only let me become the happy possessor of my angel, 301:107,00[A ]| and everything else might go to$4$ old Nick, Her*Majesty's police into the 301:107,00[A ]| bargain! 301:107,00[A ]| With such feelings as these, it is no$2$ wonder that$3$ I set public opinion at 301:107,00[A ]| defiance, and day after day was I to$9$ be seen in$4$ all the paraphernalia of 301:107,00[A ]| my mighty office, riding down to$4$ "Mack's Shanty," at the door of which$6#1$ 301:107,00[A ]| my charger remained tied up$5$, while I basked in$4$ the smiles of beauty within, 301:107,00[A ]| to$4$ the detriment I do believe of my beauty's trade in$4$ grog. 301:107,00[A ]| Did not I think something of myself ~~ idiot that$6#1$ I was ~~ when, after 301:107,00[A ]| bestowing extreme attention upon$4$ my accoutrements, I maccassared my soft 301:107,00[A ]| curls, mounted my well groomed animal and cantered along with my cap 301:107,00[A ]| cover as white as the driven snow; my boots shining like$4$ mirrors, every 301:107,00[A ]| buckle about me "polished up$5$ to$4$ the nines," the palm of my left hand hand laid 301:107,00[A ]| so$5#1$ gracefully, and with an air so$5#1$ 9de=gage=, upon$4$ my left thigh as it rested on$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| the saddle. Well, I was young you know, and I do not think even now that$3$ 301:107,00[A ]| I am at all a bad looking chap, quite the contrary indeed. 301:107,00[A ]| One evening ~~ it was Saturday by*the*bye ~~ I started as usual for$4$ the 301:107,00[A ]| accustomed spot. On$4$ my way I had to$9$ pass a crushing machine, the company 301:107,00[A ]| connected with which$6#1$ I happened to$9$ be on$4$ very friendly terms with. In$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| galloping past I was called upon$5$ to$9$ stop, in$4$ order to$9$ admire some splendid 301:107,00[A ]| pieces of quartz that$6#1$ had just been raised from the shaft. They were richly 301:107,00[A ]| impregnated with gold, and, it was calculated, would go a hundred ounces to$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| the ton. The shareholders were, of course, in$4$ high spirits at such a "rise," 301:107,00[A ]| although it appeared as if the rich stone was only a patch ~~ no$2$ indication of 301:107,00[A ]| its continuance being visible. However, it was a great lift to$4$ pushing men, 301:107,00[A ]| there being about half a ton of it, in$4$ seven or eight solid pieces, thrown out 301:107,00[A ]| at one blast; so$3$ congratulating them on$4$ their luck, I went on$4$ my way. 301:107,00[A ]| Having fastened my horse as usual to$4$ one of the poles of the "fly," I spent 301:107,00[A ]| some time with Miss*Mac, and at last, the hour being a late one, I was 301:107,00[A ]| obliged to$9$ tear myself away. 301:107,00[A ]| It was a pity I had not done so$5#2$ a little earlier, for$3$ when I went out into the 301:107,00[A ]| dark I found that$3$ my charger was gone, loosened on$4$ purpose I had no$2$ doubt, 301:107,00[A ]| and I felt in$4$ about as pretty a mess as my worst enemy could have wished 301:107,00[A ]| me. 301:107,00[A ]| It was a dark night, and no$2$ tent near, and it was entirely useless my doing 301:107,00[A ]| anything else but walking home, which$6#1$ I did in$4$ a humour which$6#1$ my readers 301:107,00[A ]| can, I dare say, imagine. My reveries on$4$ the way were not very agreeable 301:107,00[A ]| either you may depend upon$4$ it. That$3$ the horse would turn up$5$ somewhere I 301:107,00[A ]| had no$2$ doubt, but that$3$ it would be in$4$ some way to$9$ secure me as much disgrace 301:107,00[A ]| as possible I also felt convinced, as it must have been taken from 301:107,00[A ]| anything but a friendly feeling towards myself. 301:107,00[A ]| A nice job indeed! Pretty information I should be obliged to$9$ give Mr%*Inspector 301:107,00[A ]| in$4$ a day or two at latest, if the animal was not found. 301:107,00@a | "Sergeant*** , of the *** Division begs to$9$ report for$4$ the information of Inspector***, 301:107,00@a | that$3$ on$4$ the evening of the ***th instant, as he was indulging himself in$4$ the 301:107,00@a | tent known as Mac's grog shanty, his horse, the property of Her*Majesty's Government, 301:107,00@a | which$6#1$ had been tied up$5$ at said shanty for$4$ the space of five 301:107,00@a | hours without either food or water, was stolen." ~~ 301:107,00[A ]| That$6#2$ would look well, 301:107,00[A ]| would not it? Faith, I stood a pretty fair chance now of getting clear of the 301:107,00[A ]| jacket, without the trouble of resigning at all; or, perhaps, as a mark of 301:107,00[A ]| great leniency, I should be put on$4$ "Escort duty," to$4$ which$6#1$ are consigned all 301:107,00[A ]| the unfavoured ones in$4$ the service. 301:107,00[A ]| It is fortunate that$3$ I have since repented of all the evil thoughts in$4$ which$6#1$ 301:107,00[A ]| I indulged during my three miles tramp in$4$ the dark; for$3$ I swore enough of 301:107,00[A ]| oaths internally to$9$ have swamped the most buoyant vessel that$6#1$ ever floated. 301:107,00[A ]| Not much sleep did I get that$6#2$ night you may guess; and at the first dawn I 301:107,00[A ]| was up$5$, to$9$ try and find out something of the affair. 301:107,00[A ]| I walked out to$4$ the stable with some faint hope of finding the missing 301:107,00[A ]| animal there, and there he was sure enough, standing as quiet and as unconcernedly 301:107,00[A ]| as if he had not been the occasion of the slightest trouble in$4$ the 301:107,00[A ]| world. I was glad to$9$ perceive that$3$ nothing was broken; the saddle, I could 301:107,00[A ]| see when I removed it, had been ridden upon$5$, for$3$ there were marks of dusty 301:107,00[A ]| trousers or something of the sort upon$4$ it, and two or three scratches upon$4$ 301:107,00[A ]| the leather~~ 301:107,00@a | the branches of some bush, 301:107,00[A ]| thinks I; and 301:107,00@a | "Ah my lads," 301:107,00[A ]| said 301:107,00[A ]| I to$4$ myself, 301:107,00@a | "let me find you out, that$6#2$ is all!" 301:107,00[A ]| Well, I went back to$4$ my room, and busied myself in$4$ removing from my 301:107,00[A ]| boots some of the mud with which$6#1$ my pedestrianism in$4$ the dark had plentifully 301:107,00[A ]| bespattered them, while my mate prepared breakfast; shortly after 301:107,00[A ]| which$6#1$ we heard the gallop of a horse approaching the camp, and Driscol ~~ one 301:107,00[A ]| of the shareholders I mentioned ~~ came in$5$. 301:107,00[A ]| He had come to$9$ give information of a robbery the night before; after the 301:107,00[A ]| men had knocked off work at the machine, the tool chest (to$4$ which$6#1$ had 301:107,00[A ]| been consigned the quartz I had been admiring) was broken open, and 301:107,00[A ]| every one of the specimens abstracted. 301:107,00@w | "Too bad, was not it?" 301:107,00[A ]| Driscol asked 301:107,00@w | "two hundred pounds worth." 301:107,00[A ]| I promised to$9$ attend to$4$ the matter immediately on$4$ getting my breakfast, 301:107,00[A ]| and Driscol left. 301:107,00[A ]| Not a word had I said about the temporary loss of my steed, not likely, but 301:107,00[A ]| now the conviction that$6#1$ had before taken possession of my mind, namely, 301:107,00[A ]| that$3$ Larry had something to$9$ do with its abduction, strengthened considerably, 301:107,00[A ]| and I said to$4$ myself, 301:107,00@a | "whoever took my horse took the specimens;" 301:107,00[A ]| and I 301:107,00[A ]| went out to$9$ examine, under a new light, my saddle and accoutrements. 301:107,00[A ]| Oh, it was quite evident ~~ dusty bags had been on$4$ my saddle, and sharp 301:107,00[A ]| corners of quartz had scratched it; and in$4$ case there might be anything 301:107,00[A ]| dubious about the matter, on$4$ unbuckling the holster pipes, I found a piece of 301:107,00[A ]| the identical stone, containing gold, which$6#1$ had undoubtedly been placed there 301:107,00[A ]| on$4$ purpose to$9$ make a perfect laughing-stock of me. They had actually used 301:107,00[A ]| my horse for$4$ the purpose of conveying to$4$ a place of safety the stolen 301:107,00[A ]| property! 301:107,00[A ]| I felt furious; but knowing there would be no$2$ good done without a great 301:108,00[A ]| amount of dissimulation, I removed every trace from the leather, and held my 301:108,00[A ]| tongue. 301:108,00[A ]| Every search was made about the machine premises, but unsuccessfully as 301:108,00[A ]| to$4$ the finding of any traces sufficient to$9$ throw the shadow of a suspicion upon$4$ 301:108,00[A ]| any person. The tool chest had been forced open with an old pick belonging 301:108,00[A ]| to$4$ the works, and on$4$ the dry hard floor no$2$ trace of footsteps remained to$9$ give 301:108,00[A ]| the slightest clue; and so$3$, with the offer of a reward posted up$5$ in$4$ every 301:108,00[A ]| direction, the thing to$4$ all appearances ended; ~~ the shareholders leaving in$4$ 301:108,00[A ]| my hands the attempt to$9$ solve the matter, pretending at the same time that$3$ 301:108,00[A ]| they had given up$5$ all hope of a capture, so$3$ as to$9$ lull the watchfulness of 301:108,00[A ]| any neighbouring participators in$4$ the robbery. 301:108,00[A ]| The next day I called at Larry's with my washing, and found that$6#2$ worthy 301:108,00[A ]| busy in$4$ some little carpentry about the bar. He appeared on$4$ particularly 301:108,00[A ]| good terms with himself, and indeed with me, for$3$ he "shouted," ~~ an unusual 301:108,00[A ]| thing with him ~~ and I, of course, returned the compliment. We discussed 301:108,00[A ]| the robbery, and I hinted to$4$ him my suspicion that$3$ the chap who$6#1$ played me 301:108,00[A ]| the trick about the informing business was very likely to$9$ know something 301:108,00[A ]| about it, as he knew the premises, etc% 301:108,00[A ]| Larry said it might be so$5#2$, and promised to$9$ keep his eyes open. 301:108,00@a | So$5#2$ will$1$ I, Larry, 301:108,00[A ]| thinks I, and so$5#2$ I did. It takes very little to$9$ hang a 301:108,00[A ]| man; and before I left the place I had gained a clue, which$6#1$, though slight in$4$ 301:108,00[A ]| itself was of the very greatest service to$4$ me in$4$ the affair. It was a raw sort 301:108,00[A ]| of a day, and Larry had on$5$ an old worn monkey jacket. On$4$ his turning his 301:108,00[A ]| back, to$9$ replace upon$4$ the shelf a bottle, I noticed a rent under the arm and 301:108,00[A ]| slightly behind it, a small piece of green stuff, that$6#1$ had every appearance of 301:108,00[A ]| having inserted itself during the pressure of the wearer upon$4$ some bush. 301:108,00[A ]| I managed before he turned to$9$ gain possession of it, and shortly after left the 301:108,00[A ]| shanty. 301:108,00[A ]| I was not long in$4$ examining my acquisition, and found it was a scrap of 301:108,00[A ]| tea-tree scrub; but this was in$4$ itself no$2$ trifle, for$3$ there was only one patch of 301:108,00[A ]| that$6#2$ scrub within a distance of miles, it being at least two miles away from 301:108,00[A ]| the nearest part of the gully. It was a place upon$4$ which$6#1$ I had dropped in$4$ 301:108,00[A ]| some of my kangaroo hunting excursions, and one in$4$ which$6#1$ Larry, who$6#1$ was 301:108,00[A ]| no$2$ sportsman, and owned no$2$ cattle of any descripion, could have no$2$ 301:108,00[A ]| reasonable business. 301:108,00[A ]| I went straight to$4$ the camp and then across the bush to$4$ the tea-tree scrub 301:108,00[A ]| patch; and riding round it, cautiously though, and where my track would 301:108,00[A ]| not be likely to$9$ be noticed, I came upon$4$ a sort of opening through the thick 301:108,00[A ]| bushes. My horse seemed to$9$ know it, and of course he did, so$3$ I gave him 301:108,00[A ]| the reins, until he brought me to$4$ the bed of a creek, where, under the 301:108,00[A ]| heavy branches of an old gumtree that$6#1$ hung over the steep bank, I found a 301:108,00[A ]| carefully concealed "drive," and at the end of the drive, among many other 301:108,00[A ]| articles, were the identical specimens, still remaining in$4$ the bags in$4$ which$6#1$ 301:108,00[A ]| they had been removed. 301:108,00[A ]| This was a grand affair for$4$ me, and I was soon galloping home, so$3$ that$3$ I 301:108,00[A ]| might think quietly upon$4$ what would be the best course to$9$ pursue. Of course, 301:108,00[A ]| I had no$2$ doubt that$3$ Larry was the man now, but to$9$ bring it home to$4$ him was 301:108,00[A ]| my business, as well as to$9$ recover the stolen property. 301:108,00[A ]| For$4$ two or three nights then was my animal tied as usual to$4$ the shanty of 301:108,00[A ]| my lady love, while my mate spent his nights in$4$ watching near the "plant" 301:108,00[A ]| in$4$ the scrub. At length he was rewarded. Larry began to$9$ be off his guard 301:108,00[A ]| and anxious to$9$ break up$5$ the stone, so$3$ as to$9$ render the gold available. 301:108,00[A ]| One night we let him hammer away in$4$ peace; the next we went together, 301:108,00[A ]| and after an hour's watch, during which$6#1$ period Larry hammered away 301:108,00[A ]| regularly and contentedly, we discharged a revolver in$4$ front of the drive, 301:108,00[A ]| and seized the gentleman as he rushed from his place of concealment. 301:108,00[A ]| He was an active powerful fellow, but two to$4$ one, he had no$2$ chance, and 301:108,00[A ]| we clapped the handcuffs on$4$ him in$4$ a trice. 301:108,00@a | "Now, my clever fellow," 301:108,00[A ]| said I, 301:108,00@a | "you shall go to$4$ the lockup on$4$ the 301:108,00@a | horse that$6#1$ you found so$5#1$ convenient the other night and believe me, I am 301:108,00@a | prouder to$9$ see you there than if you were ten bags of specimens;" 301:108,00[A ]| and so$5#2$ I was, for$3$ I had a personal down on$4$ the rascal himself. 301:108,00[A ]| To$9$ make a long story short, Larry was convicted, and sentenced to$4$ seven 301:108,00[A ]| years on$4$ the roads, and I was at liberty to$9$ prosecute again my 9affaire*de*coeur. 301:108,00[A ]| Well, the said 9affaire does not end at all to$4$ my credit; but never mind, it is 301:108,00[A ]| like$4$ taking a dose of physic ~~ down with it. 301:108,00[A ]| One evening, after having been away for$4$ several days finishing off the 301:108,00[A ]| Larry concern, careless of the condition of Her*Majesty's charger, off I started 301:108,00[A ]| to$4$ my charmer's residence, full of delight at my recovered liberty. 301:108,00[A ]| Hallo! the tent was gone ~~ not a vestige of the spot to$4$ me so$5#1$ sacred was 301:108,00[A ]| left, save indeed the remnants of a pipeclayed chimney, and a number of 301:108,00[A ]| bottles scattered about. 301:108,00[A ]| Whatever was up$5$? I had parted with her only a few days before, giving 301:108,00[A ]| her the last of my last month's pay to$9$ settle some pressing account or other, 301:108,00[A ]| as I had often been happy to$9$ do before, and now she was gone! 301:108,00[A ]| I turned my horse's head campwards, and dreading the quizzing I was sure 301:108,00[A ]| to$9$ get if I asked any questions up$4$ the street, I galloped home across the bush. 301:108,00[A ]| Jerry was lying as usual under the tree, and the broad grin with which$6#1$ he 301:108,00[A ]| greeted my unusual return struck me as significant. 301:108,00@a | "What has become of the Macs, Jerry?" 301:108,00[A ]| The loud guffaw which$6#1$ served as Jerry's reply, I fancy I hear yet, and 301:108,00[A ]| do not want to$9$ hear again, at my expense at any rate; but the amount of 301:108,00[A ]| the matter was that$3$ Miss*Mac was not Miss*Mac at all, but the mistress of 301:108,00[A ]| her 9soi-disant brother, and they had not gone off without making a complete 301:108,00[A ]| laughing-stock of me all over the gully. Nay, Miss*Mac had not hesitated to$9$ 301:108,00[A ]| tell all my friends of our intended marriage-arrangements, and laughed until 301:108,00[A ]| the tears ran down her cheeks at the bare idea of marrying a "green downy-faced 301:108,00[A ]| trap!" 301:108,00[A ]| That$6#2$ cured me; for$3$, as I caressed my delicate moustache, with the twirl of 301:108,00[A ]| which$6#1$ macassar had so$5#1$ much to$9$ do, I felt that$3$ a woman who$6#1$ could ridicule 301:108,00[A ]| that$6#2$ was not worth ~~ . Well, I got over it at any rate, after chaff enough to$9$ 301:108,00[A ]| make me more cautious in$4$ future. 301:108,00[A ]| As a wind-up to$4$ this episode, I may mention the fate of poor Ellen. One 301:108,00[A ]| day I went to$9$ look after her a bit ~~ the neighbours having raised suspicions of 301:108,00[A ]| her sanity ~~ and found her dancing idiotically before her child, which$6#1$ she had 301:108,00[A ]| hung up$5$ to$4$ the tie-beam of the tent, and whose black and distorted features 301:108,00[A ]| seemed to$9$ afford her the most satisfactory amusement. The child was quite 301:108,00[A ]| dead, and some months after Ellen died herself, the inmate of the hospital of an 301:108,00[A ]| asylum, another victim to$4$ the curse of intemperance so$5#1$ prevalent in$4$ our colony. 302:220,00@@@@@| 302:220,00[A ]| There are many who$6#1$ recollect full well the rush at Chinaman's*Flat. It 302:220,00[A ]| was in$4$ the height of its prosperity that$3$ an assault was committed upon$4$ a 302:220,00[A ]| female of a character so$5#1$ diabolical in$4$ itself, as to$9$ have aroused the utmost 302:220,00[A ]| anxiety in$4$ the public as well as in$4$ the police, to$9$ punish the perpetrator 302:220,00[A ]| thereof. 302:220,00[A ]| The case was placed in$4$ my hands, and as it presented difficulties so$5#1$ great 302:220,00[A ]| as to$9$ appear to$4$ an ordinary observer almost insurmountable, the overcoming of 302:220,00[A ]| which$6#1$ was likely to$9$ gain approbation in$4$ the proper quarter, I gladly accepted 302:220,00[A ]| the task. 302:220,00[A ]| I had little to$9$ go upon$4$ at first. One dark night, in$4$ a tent in$4$ the very centre 302:220,00[A ]| of a crowded thoroughfare, a female had been preparing to$9$ retire to$4$ rest, her 302:220,00[A ]| husband being in$4$ the habit of remaining at the public-house until a late hour, 302:220,00[A ]| when a man with a crape mask ~~ who$6#1$ must have gained an earlier entrance ~~ 302:220,00[A ]| seized her, and in$4$ the prosecution of a criminal offence, had injured and 302:220,00[A ]| abused the unfortunate woman so$5#1$ much that$3$ her life was despaired of. 302:220,00[A ]| Although there was a light burning at the time, the woman was barely able 302:220,00[A ]| to$9$ describe his general appearance; he appeared to$4$ her like$4$ a German, had 302:220,00[A ]| no$2$ whiskers, fair hair, was low in$4$ stature, and stoutly built. 302:220,00[A ]| With one important exception, that$6#2$ was all the information she was able to$9$ 302:220,00[A ]| give me on$4$ the subject. The exception, however, was a good deal to$4$ a 302:220,00[A ]| detective, and I hoped might prove an invaluable aid to$4$ me. During the 302:220,00[A ]| struggle she had torn the arm of the flannel shirt he wore, and was under a 302:220,00[A ]| decided impression that$3$ upon$4$ the upper part of the criminal's arm there was 302:220,00[A ]| a small anchor and heart tattooed. 302:220,00[A ]| Now, I was well aware that$3$ in$4$ this colony to$9$ find a man with a tattooed 302:220,00[A ]| arm was an every*day affair, especially on$4$ the diggings, where, I dare say, 302:220,00[A ]| there is scarcely a person who$6#1$ has not come in$4$ contact more than once 302:220,00[A ]| or twice with half a dozen men tattooed in$4$ the style I speak of ~~ the 302:220,00[A ]| anchor or heart, or both, being a favourite figure with those "gentlemen" 302:220,00[A ]| who$6#1$ are in$4$ favour of branding. 302:220,00[A ]| However, the clue was worth something, and even without its aid, not more 302:220,00[A ]| than a couple of weeks had elapsed when, with the assistance of the local 302:220,00[A ]| police, I had traced a man bearing in$4$ appearance a general resemblance to$4$ 302:220,00[A ]| the man who$6#1$ had committed the offence, to$4$ a digging about seven miles from 302:220,00[A ]| Chinaman's*Flat. 302:220,00[A ]| It is unnecessary that$3$ I should relate every particular as to$4$ how my suspicions 302:220,00[A ]| were directed to$4$ this man, who$6#1$ did not live on$4$ Chinaman's Flat, and 302:220,00[A ]| to$4$ all appearances, had not left the diggings where he was camped since he 302:220,00[A ]| first commenced working there. I say "to$4$ all appearances," for$3$ it was with a 302:220,00[A ]| certain knowledge that$3$ he had been absent from his tent on$4$ the night of the 302:220,00[A ]| outrage that$3$ I one evening trudged down the flat where his tent was pitched, 302:220,00[A ]| with my swag on$4$ my back, and sat down on$4$ a log not far from where he had 302:220,00[A ]| kindled a fire for$4$ culinary or other purposes. 302:220,00[A ]| These diggings I will$1$ call McAdam's. It was a 1arge and flourishing goldfield, 302:220,00[A ]| and on$4$ the flat where my man was camped there were several other 302:220,00[A ]| tents grouped, so$3$ that$3$ it was nothing singular that$3$ I should look about for$4$ a 302:220,00[A ]| couple of bushes, between which$6#1$ I might swing my little bit of canvas for$4$ 302:220,00[A ]| the night. 302:220,00[A ]| After I had fastened up$5$ the rope, and thrown my tent over it in$4$ regular 302:220,00[A ]| digger fashion, I broke down some bushes to$9$ form my bed, and having 302:220,00[A ]| spread thereon my blankets, went up$5$ to$4$ my man ~~ whom I shall in$4$ future 302:220,00[A ]| call "Bill" ~~ to$9$ request permission to$9$ boil my billy on$4$ his fire. 302:220,00[A ]| It was willingly granted, and so$3$ I lighted my pipe and sat down to$9$ await 302:220,00[A ]| the boiling of the water, determined if I could so$5#2$ manage it to$9$ get this suspected 302:220,00[A ]| man to$9$ accept me as a mate before I lay down that$6#2$ night. 302:220,00[A ]| Bill was also engaged in$4$ smoking, and had not, of course, the slightest 302:220,00[A ]| suspicion that$3$ in$4$ the rough, ordinary*looking digger before him he was contemplating 302:220,00[A ]| the "make-up" of a Victorian detective, who$6#1$ had already made 302:220,00[A ]| himself slightly talked of among his comrades by$4$ one or two clever 302:220,00[A ]| captures. 302:220,00@b | "Where did you come from mate?" 302:220,00[A ]| inquired Bill, as he puffed away 302:220,00[A ]| leisurely at a cutty. 302:220,00@a | "From Burnt*Creek," 302:220,00[A ]| I replied, 302:220,00@a | "and a long enough road it is in$4$ such 302:220,00@a | d*** hot weather as this." 302:220,00@b | "Nothing doing at Burnt*Creek?" 302:220,00@a | "Not a thing ~~ the place is cooked." 302:220,00@b | "Are you in$5$ for$4$ a try here, then?" 302:220,00[A ]| he asked, rather eagerly I thought. 302:220,00@a | "Well, I think so$5#2$; is there any chance do you think?" 302:220,00@b | "Have you got a miner's right?" 302:220,00[A ]| was his sudden question. 302:220,00@a | "I have," 302:220,00[A ]| said I taking it out of my pocket, and handing the bit of parchment 302:220,00[A ]| for$4$ his inspection. 302:220,00@b | "Are you a hatter?" 302:220,00[A ]| inquired Bill, as he returned the document. 302:220,00@a | "I am," 302:220,00[A ]| was my reply. 302:220,00@b | "Well, if you have no$2$ objections then, I do not mind going mates with 302:220,00@b | you ~~ I have got a pretty fair prospect, and the ground is going to$9$ run rather 302:220,00@b | deep for$4$ one man, I think." 302:220,00@a | "All right." 302:220,00[A ]| So$3$ here was the very thing I wanted, settled without the slightest 302:220,00[A ]| trouble. 302:220,00[A ]| My object in$4$ wishing to$9$ go mates with this fellow will$1$, I dare say, readily 302:220,00[A ]| be perceived. I did not wish to$9$ risk my character for$4$ 'cuteness by$4$ arresting 302:220,00[A ]| my gentleman, without being sure that$3$ he was branded in$4$ the way described 302:220,00[A ]| by$4$ the woman, and besides, in$4$ the close supervision which$6#1$ I should be able 302:220,00[A ]| to$9$ keep over him while working together daily, heaven knows what might 302:220,00[A ]| transpire as additional evidence against him, at least so$5#2$ I reasoned with 302:220,00[A ]| myself; and it was with a partially relieved mind that$3$ I made my frugal 302:220,00[A ]| supper, and made believe to$9$ "turn in$5$", fatigued, as I might be supposed to$9$ 302:220,00[A ]| be, after my long tramp. 302:220,00[A ]| But I did not turn in$5$, not I, I had other objects in$4$ view, if one may be said 302:220,00[A ]| to$9$ have an object in$4$ view on$4$ one of the darkest nights of a moonless week~~ 302:220,00[A ]| for$3$ dark enough the night in$4$ question became, even before I had finished my 302:220,00[A ]| supper, and made my apparent preparations for$4$ bed. 302:220,00[A ]| We were not camped far enough from the business part of the rush to$9$ be 302:220,00[A ]| very quiet, there was plenty of noise ~~ the nightly noise of a rich gold-field ~~ 302:220,00[A ]| came down our way, and even in$4$ some of the tents close to$4$ us, card-playing, 302:220,00[A ]| and drinking, and singing, and laughing, were going on$5$; so$3$ it was quite easy 302:220,00[A ]| for$4$ me to$9$ steal unnoticed to$4$ the back of Bill's little tent, and, by$4$ the 302:220,00[A ]| assistance of a small slit made in$4$ the calico by$4$ my knife, have a look at what 302:220,00[A ]| my worthy was doing inside, for$3$ I was anxious to$9$ become acquainted with 302:220,00[A ]| his habits, and, of course, determined to$9$ watch him as closely as ever 302:220,00[A ]| I could. 302:220,00[A ]| Well, the first specimen I had of his customs was certainly a singular one, 302:220,00[A ]| and was, it may be well believed, an exception to$4$ his general line of conduct. 302:220,00[A ]| Diggers, or any other class of men, do not generally spend their evenings in$4$ 302:220,00[A ]| cutting their shoes up$5$ into small morsels, and that$6#2$ was exactly what Bill was 302:220,00[A ]| busily engaged in$4$ doing when I clapped my eye to$4$ the hole. He had already 302:220,00[A ]| disposed of a good portion of the article when I commenced to$9$ watch him: 302:220,00[A ]| the entire "upper" of a very muddy blucher boot lying upon$4$ his rough 302:220,00[A ]| table in$4$ a small heap, and in$4$ the smallest pieces that$6#1$ one would suppose any 302:220,00[A ]| person could have patience to$9$ cut up$5$ a dry, hard, old leather boot. 302:220,00[A ]| It was rather a puzzler to$4$ me this, and that$3$ Bill was doing such a thing 302:220,00[A ]| simply to$9$ amuse himself was out of the question; indeed, without observing 302:220,00[A ]| that$3$ he had the door of his tent closely fastened upon$4$ a warm evening, and 302:220,00[A ]| that$3$ he started at the slightest sound, the instincts of an old detective would 302:220,00[A ]| alone have convinced me that$3$ Bill had some great cause indeed to$9$ make away 302:220,00[A ]| with those old boots; so$3$ I continued watching. 302:220,00[A ]| He had hacked away at the sole with an old but sharp butcher's knife, but 302:220,00[A ]| it almost defied his attempts to$9$ separate it into pieces, and at length he gave it 302:220,00[A ]| up$5$ in$4$ despair, and gathering up$5$ the small portions on$4$ the table, he swept 302:220,00[A ]| them with the mutilated sole into his hat, and opening his tent door, went 302:220,00[A ]| out. 302:220,00[A ]| I guessed very truly that$3$ he would make for$4$ the fire, and as it happened to$9$ 302:220,00[A ]| be at the other side of a log from where I was hiding, I had a good opportunity 302:220,00[A ]| of continuing my espial. 302:221,00[A ]| He raked together the few embers that$6#1$ remained near the log, and flinging 302:221,00[A ]| the pieces of leather thereon, retired once more into his tent, calculating, no$2$ 302:221,00[A ]| doubt, that$3$ the hot ashes would soon scorch and twist them up$5$, so$3$ as to$9$ defy 302:221,00[A ]| recognition, while the fire he would build upon$4$ them in$4$ the morning would 302:221,00[A ]| settle the matter most satisfactorily. 302:221,00[A ]| All this would have happened just so$5#2$, no$2$ doubt, if I had not succeeded in$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| scraping nearly every bit from the place where Bill had thrown them, so$5#1$ 302:221,00[A ]| silently and quickly, that$3$ I was in$4$ the shelter of my slung tent with my prize 302:221,00[A ]| and a burn or two on$4$ my fingers before he himself had had time to$9$ divest 302:221,00[A ]| himself of his garments and blow out the light. 302:221,00[A ]| He did so$5#2$ very soon, however, and it was long before I could get asleep. 302:221,00[A ]| I thought it over and over in$4$ all ways, and looked upon$4$ it in$4$ all lights that$6#1$ I 302:221,00[A ]| could think of, and yet, always connecting this demolished boot with the case 302:221,00[A ]| in$4$ the investigation of which$6#1$ I was engaged, I could not make it out at all. 302:221,00[A ]| Had we overlooked, with all our fancied acuteness, some clue which$6#1$ Bill 302:221,00[A ]| feared we had possession of, to$4$ which$6#1$ this piecemeal boot was the key? And 302:221,00[A ]| if so$5#2$ why had he remained so$5#1$ long without destroying it? 302:221,00[A ]| It was, as I said before, a regular puzzler to$4$ me, and my brain was positively 302:221,00[A ]| weary when I at length dropped off to$4$ sleep. 302:221,00[A ]| Well, I worked for$4$ a week with Bill, and I can tell you it was work I did not 302:221,00[A ]| at all take to$4$. The unaccustomed use of tbe pick and shovel played the very 302:221,00[A ]| mischief with my hands; but, for$4$ fear of arousing the suspicions of my mate, 302:221,00[A ]| I durst not complain, having only to$9$ endure in$4$ silence, or as our Scotch friends 302:221,00[A ]| would put it, 302:221,00@z | "Grin and bide it." 302:221,00[A ]| And tbe worst of it was, that$3$ I was gaining 302:221,00[A ]| nothing ~~ nothing whatever ~~ by$4$ my unusual industry. 302:221,00[A ]| I had hoped that$3$ accidentally I should have got a sight of the anchor and 302:221,00[A ]| heart, but I was day after day disappointed, for$3$ my mate was not very regular 302:221,00[A ]| in$4$ his ablutions, and I had reckoned without my host in$4$ expecting that$3$ the 302:221,00[A ]| very ordinary habit of a digger, namely, that$6#2$ of having a "regular wash" at 302:221,00[A ]| least every Sunday, would be a good and certain one for$4$ exposing the brand. 302:221,00[A ]| But no$7$, Bill allowed the Sunday to$9$ come and go, without once removing 302:221,00[A ]| what I could observe was the flannel shirt, in$4$ which$6#1$ he had worked all the 302:221,00[A ]| week; and then I began to$9$ swear at my own obtuseness ~~ 302:221,00@a | "the fellow must 302:221,00@a | be aware that$3$ his shirt was torn by$4$ the woman, of course he suspects that$3$ 302:221,00@a | she may have seen the tattooing, and will$1$ take blessed good care not to$9$ 302:221,00@a | expose it, mate or no$2$ mate," 302:221,00[A ]| tbought I; and then I called myself a donkey, 302:221,00[A ]| and during the few following days, when I was trusting to$4$ the chapter of 302:221,00[A ]| accidents, I was also deliberating on$4$ the "to$9$ be or not to$9$ be" of the question 302:221,00[A ]| of arresting him at once, and chancing it. 302:221,00[A ]| Saturday afternoon came again, and then the early knock-off time, and that$6#2$ 302:221,00[A ]| sort of quarter holiday among the miners, namely, four o'clock, was hailed 302:221,00[A ]| by$4$ me with the greatest relief, and it was with the full determination of never 302:221,00[A ]| again setting foot in$4$ the cursed claim that$3$ I shouldered my pick and shovel 302:221,00[A ]| and proceeded tentwards. 302:221,00[A ]| On$4$ my way I met a policeman, and received from him a concerted signal 302:221,00[A ]| that$3$ I was wanted at the camp, and so$3$ telling Bill that$3$ I was going to$9$ 302:221,00[A ]| see an old mate about some money that$6#1$ he owed me, I started at once. 302:221,00@w | "We have got something else in$4$ your line, mate," 302:221,00[A ]| said my old chum, Joe Bennet, 302:221,00[A ]| as I entered the camp, 302:221,00@w | "and one which$6#1$, I think, will$1$ be a regular 302:221,00@w | poser for$4$ you. The body of a man has been found in$4$ Pipeclay*Gully, and we 302:221,00@w | can scarcely be justified by$4$ appearances in$4$ giving even a surmise as to$4$ how he 302:221,00@w | came by$4$ his death." 302:221,00@a | "How do you mean?" 302:221,00[A ]| I inquired. 302:221,00@a | "Has he been dead so$5#1$ long?" 302:221,00@w | "About a fortnight, I dare say, but we have done absolutely nothing as 302:221,00@w | yet. Knowing you were on$4$ the ground we have not even touched the body: 302:221,00@w | will$1$ you come up$5$ at once?" 302:221,00@a | "Of course I will$1$!" 302:221,00[A ]| And after substituting the uniform of the force for$4$ the 302:221,00[A ]| digger's costume, in$4$ which$6#1$ I was apparelled, in$4$ case of an encounter with my 302:221,00[A ]| "mate," we went straight to$4$ "Pipeclay." 302:221,00[A ]| The body had been left in$4$ charge of one of the police, and was still lying, 302:221,00[A ]| undisturbed in$4$ the position in$4$ which$6#1$ it had been discovered; not a soul was 302:221,00[A ]| about, in$4$ fact, the gully had been rushed and abandoned, and bore not the 302:221,00[A ]| slightest trace of man's handiwork, saving and except the miner's holes and 302:221,00[A ]| their surrounding little eminences of pipeclay, from which$6#1$ the gully was named. 302:221,00[A ]| And it was a veritable "gully," running between two low ranges of hills, which$6#1$ 302:221,00[A ]| hills were covered with an undergrowth of wattle and cherry trees, and scattered 302:221,00[A ]| over with rocks and indications of quartz, which$6#1$ have, I dare say, been fully 302:221,00[A ]| tried by$4$ this time. 302:221,00[A ]| Well, on$4$ the slope of one of the hills, where it amalgamated as it were 302:221,00[A ]| with the level of the gully, and where the sinking had evidently been 302:221,00[A ]| shallow, lay the body of the dead man. He was dressed in$4$ ordinary miner's 302:221,00[A ]| fashion, and saving for$4$ the fact of a gun being by$4$ his side, one might have 302:221,00[A ]| supposed that$3$ he had only given up$5$ his digging to$9$ lie down and die beside 302:221,00[A ]| the hole near which$6#1$ he lay. 302:221,00[A ]| The hole, however, was full of water~~ quite full; indeed the water was 302:221,00[A ]| sopping out on$4$ the ground around it, and that$3$ the hole was an old one was 302:221,00[A ]| evident, by$4$ the crumbling edges around it, and the fragments of old branches 302:221,00[A ]| that$6#1$ lay rotting in$4$ the water. 302:221,00[A ]| Close to$4$ this hole lay the body, the attitude strongly indicative of the 302:221,00[A ]| last exertion during life having been that$6#2$ of crawling out of the water hole, 302:221,00[A ]| in$4$ which$6#1$ indeed still remained part of the unfortunate man's leg. There 302:221,00[A ]| was no$2$ hat on$4$ his head, and in$4$ spite of the considerable decay of the body, 302:221,00[A ]| even an ordinary observer could not fail to$9$ notice a large fracture in$4$ the side 302:221,00[A ]| of the head. 302:221,00[A ]| I examined the gun; it was a double-barrelled fowling piece, and one 302:221,00[A ]| barrel had been discharged, while very apparent on$4$ the stock of the gun 302:221,00[A ]| were blood marks, that$6#1$ even the late heavy rain had failed to$9$ erase. In$4$ the 302:221,00[A ]| pockets of the dead man was nothing, save what any digger might carry ~~ 302:221,00[A ]| pipe and tobacco, a cheap knife, and a shilling or two, this was all; and 302:221,00[A ]| so$3$ leaving the body to$9$ be removed by$4$ the police, I thoughtfully retraced my 302:221,00[A ]| way to$4$ the camp. 302:221,00[A ]| Singularly enough, during my absence, a woman had been there, giving 302:221,00[A ]| information about her husband, on$4$ account of whose absence she was becoming 302:221,00[A ]| alarmed; and as the caution of the policeman on$4$ duty at the camp 302:221,00[A ]| had prevented his giving her any idea of the fact of the dead body having 302:221,00[A ]| been discovered that$6#2$ very day, I immediately went to$4$ the address which$6#1$ the 302:221,00[A ]| woman had left, in$4$ order to$9$ discover, if possible, not only if it was the missing 302:221,00[A ]| man, but also to$9$ gain any information that$6#1$ might be likely to$9$ put me upon$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| the scent of the murderer, for$3$ that$3$ the man had been murdered I had not the 302:221,00[A ]| slightest doubt. 302:221,00[A ]| Well, I succeeded in$4$ finding the woman, a young and decidedly good-looking 302:221,00[A ]| Englishwoman of the lower class, and gained from her the following 302:221,00[A ]| information: ~~ 302:221,00[A ]| About a fortnight before, her husband, who$6#1$ had been indisposed, and in$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| consequence not working for$4$ a day or two, had taken his gun one morning 302:221,00[A ]| in$4$ order to$9$ amuse himself for$4$ an hour or two, as well as to$9$ have a look at the 302:221,00[A ]| ranges near Pipeclay*Gully, and do a little prospecting at the same time. He 302:221,00[A ]| had not returned, but as he had suggested a possibility of visiting his brother 302:221,00[A ]| who$6#1$ was digging about four miles off, she had not felt alarmed until upon$4$ communicating 302:221,00[A ]| with the said brother she had become aware that$3$ her husband 302:221,00[A ]| had never been there. From the description, I knew at once that$3$ the remains 302:221,00[A ]| of the poor fellow lying in$4$ Pipeclay*Gully were certainly those of the missing 302:221,00[A ]| man, and with what care and delicacy I might possess I broke the tidings to$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| the shocked wife, and after allowing her grief to$9$ have vent in$4$ a passion of 302:221,00[A ]| tears, I tried to$9$ gain some clue to$4$ the likely perpetrator of the murder. 302:221,00@a | "Had she any suspicions?" 302:221,00[A ]| I asked; 302:221,00@a | "was there any feud between her 302:221,00@a | husband and any individual she could name?" 302:221,00[A ]| At first she replied 302:221,00@v | "no$7$," 302:221,00[A ]| and then a sudden recollection appeared to$9$ 302:221,00[A ]| strike her, and she said that$3$ some weeks ago a man had, during the absence 302:221,00[A ]| of her husband, made advances to$4$ her, under the feigned supposition that$3$ 302:221,00[A ]| she was an unmarried woman. In$4$ spite of her decidedly repellent manner, 302:221,00[A ]| he had continued his attentions, until she, afraid of his impetuosity, had 302:221,00[A ]| been obliged to$9$ call the attention of her husband to$4$ the matter, and he, of 302:221,00[A ]| course feeling indignant, had threatened to$9$ shoot the intruder if he ever 302:221,00[A ]| ventured near the place again. 302:221,00[A ]| The woman described this man to$4$ me, and it was with a violent whirl of 302:221,00[A ]| emotional excitement, as one feels who$6#1$ is on$4$ the eve of a great discovery, that$3$ 302:221,00[A ]| I hastened to$4$ the camp, which$6#1$ was close by$5$. 302:221,00[A ]| It was barely half-past five o'clock, and in$4$ a few minutes I was on$4$ my 302:221,00[A ]| way, with two or three other associates, to$4$ the scene of wbat I had no$2$ doubt 302:221,00[A ]| had been a horrible murder. What my object was there was soon apparent. 302:221,00[A ]| I had before tried the depth of the muddy water, and found it was scarcely 302:221,00[A ]| four feet, and now we hastened to$9$ make use of the remaining light of a long 302:221,00[A ]| summer's day in$4$ draining carefully the said hole. 302:221,00[A ]| I was repaid for$4$ the trouble, for$3$ in$4$ the muddy and deep sediment at the 302:221,00[A ]| bottom we discovered a deeply imbedded blucher boot; and I dare say 302:221,00[A ]| you will$1$ readily guess how my heart leaped up$5$ at the sight. 302:221,00[A ]| To$4$ old diggers, the task which$6#1$ followed was not a very great one; we had 302:221,00[A ]| provided ourselves with a "tub," etc%, and "washed" every bit of the mud 302:221,00[A ]| at the bottom of the hole. The only "find" we had, however, was a peculiar 302:221,00[A ]| bit of wood, which$6#1$, instead of rewarding us for$4$ our exertions by$4$ lying like$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| gold at the bottom of the dish in$4$ which$6#1$ we "turned off," insisted upon$4$ floating 302:221,00[A ]| on$4$ the top of the very first tub, when it became loosened from its surrounding 302:221,00[A ]| of clay. 302:221,00[A ]| It was a queer piece of wood, and eventually quite repaid us for$4$ any trouble 302:221,00[A ]| we might have had in$4$ its capture. A segment of a circle it was, or rather a 302:221,00[A ]| portion of a segment of a circle, being neither more nor less than a piece 302:221,00[A ]| broken out of one of those old fashioned black wooden buttons, that$6#1$ are still 302:221,00[A ]| to$9$ be seen on$4$ the monkey-jacket of many an Australian digger, as well as 302:221,00[A ]| elsewhere. 302:221,00[A ]| Well, I fancied that$3$ I knew the identical button from whence had been 302:221,00[A ]| broken this bit of wood, and that$3$ I could go and straightaway fit it into its 302:221,00[A ]| place without the slightest trouble in$4$ the world ~~ singular, was it not? ~~ and 302:221,00[A ]| as I carefully placed the piece in$4$ my pocket, I could not help thinking to$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| myself 302:221,00@a | "Well, this does indeed and most truly look like$4$ the working of 302:221,00@a | Providence." 302:221,00[A ]| There are many occasions when an apparent chance has effected the unravelling 302:221,00[A ]| of a mystery, which$6#1$ but for$4$ the turning over of that$6#2$ particular 302:221,00[A ]| page of fatality, might have remained a mystery to$4$ the day of judgment, in$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| spite of the most strenuous and most able exertions. Mere human acumen 302:221,00[A ]| would never have discovered the key to$4$ the secret's hieroglyphic, nor placed 302:221,00[A ]| side by$4$ side the hidden links of a chain long enough and strong enough to$9$ 302:221,00[A ]| tear the murderer from his fancied security, and hang him as high as Haman. 302:221,00[A ]| Such would almost appear to$9$ have been the case in$4$ the instance to$4$ which$6#1$ I am 302:221,00[A ]| alluding, only that$3$ in$4$ place of ascribing the elucidation and the unravelling 302:221,00[A ]| to$4$ that$6#2$ mythical power chance, the impulse of some "inner man" writes 302:221,00[A ]| the word Providence. 302:221,00[A ]| I did not feel exactly like$1$ moralizing, however, when, after resuming my 302:221,00[A ]| digger's "make up$5$," I walked towards the tent of the man I have called Bill. 302:221,00[A ]| No$7$; I felt more and deeper than any mere moralist could understand. The 302:221,00[A ]| belief that$3$ a higher power had especially called out, and chosen, one of his 302:221,00[A ]| own creatures to$9$ be the instrument of his retributive power, has, in$4$ our 302:221,00[A ]| world's history, been the means of mighty evil, and I hope that$3$ not for$4$ 302:221,00[A ]| an instant did such an idea take possession of me. I was not conscious of 302:221,00[A ]| feeling that$3$ I had been chosen as a scourge and an instrument of earthly 302:221,00[A ]| punishment; but I did feel that$3$ I was likely to$9$ be the means of cutting 302:221,00[A ]| short the thread of a most unready fellow-mortal's life, and a solemn responsibility 302:221,00[A ]| it is to$9$ bring home to$4$ one's self I can assure you. 302:222,00[A ]| The last flush of sunlight was fading low in$4$ the west when I reached our 302:222,00[A ]| camping ground, and found Bill seated outside on$4$ a log, indulging in$4$ his 302:222,00[A ]| usual pipe in$4$ the greying twilight. 302:222,00[A ]| I had, of course, determined upon$4$ arresting him at once, and had sent two 302:222,00[A ]| policemen round to$4$ the back of our tents, in$4$ case of an attempted escape upon$4$ 302:222,00[A ]| his part; and now, quite prepared, I sat down beside him; and, after feeling 302:222,00[A ]| that$3$ the handcuffs were in$4$ their usual place in$4$ my belt, I lit my pipe and 302:222,00[A ]| commenced to$9$ smoke also. My heart verily went pit-a-pat as I did so$5#2$, for$3$, 302:222,00[A ]| long as I had been engaged in$4$ this sort of thing, I had not yet become 302:222,00[A ]| callous either to$4$ the feelings of a wretched criminal or the excitement 302:222,00[A ]| attendant more or less upon$4$ every capture of the sort. 302:222,00[A ]| We smoked in$4$ silence for$4$ some minutes, and I was listening intently to$9$ 302:222,00[A ]| hear the slightest intimation of the vicinity of my mates; at length Bill 302:222,00[A ]| broke the silence. 302:222,00@b | "Did you get your money?" 302:222,00[A ]| he inquired. 302:222,00@a | "No$7$," 302:222,00[A ]| I replied, 302:222,00@a | "but I think I will$1$ get it soon." 302:222,00[A ]| Silence again, and then withdrawing the pipe from my mouth and quietly 302:222,00[A ]| knocking the ashes out of it on$4$ the log, I turned towards my mate and said, 302:222,00@a | "Bill, what made you murder that$6#2$ man in$4$ Pipeclay*Gully?" 302:222,00[A ]| He did not reply, but I could see his face pale and whiten in$4$ the grey dim 302:222,00[A ]| twilight, and at last stand out distinctly in$4$ the darkening like$4$ that$6#2$ of the 302:222,00[A ]| dead man we found lying in$4$ the lonely gully. 302:222,00[A ]| It was so$5#1$ entirely unexpected that$3$ he was completely stunned: not the 302:222,00[A ]| slightest idea had he that$3$ the body had ever been found, and it was on$4$ quite 302:222,00[A ]| nerveless wrists that$3$ I locked the handcuffs, as my mates came up$5$ and took 302:222,00[A ]| him in$4$ charge. 302:222,00[A ]| Rallying a little, he asked huskily, 302:222,00@b | "Who$6#2$ said I did it?" 302:222,00@a | "No$2$ person," 302:222,00[A ]| I replied, 302:222,00@a | "but I know you did it." 302:222,00[A ]| Again he was silent, and did not contradict me, and so$3$ he was taken to$4$ the 302:222,00[A ]| lock-up. 302:222,00[A ]| I was right about the broken button, and had often noticed it on$4$ an old 302:222,00[A ]| jacket of Bill's. The piece fitted to$4$ a nicety; and the cut-up blucher! 302:222,00[A ]| Verily, there was some powerful influence at work in$4$ the discovery of this 302:222,00[A ]| murder, and again I repeat that$3$ no$2$ mere human wisdom could have accomplished 302:222,00[A ]| it. 302:222,00[A ]| Bill, it would appear, thought so$5#2$ too, for$3$ expressing himself so$5#2$ to$4$ me, he 302:222,00[A ]| made a full confession, not only of the murder, but also of the other offence, 302:222,00[A ]| for$4$ the bringing home to$4$ him of which$6#1$ I had been so$5#1$ anxious. 302:222,00[A ]| When he found that$3$ the body of the unfortunate man had been discovered 302:222,00[A ]| upon$4$ the surface, in$4$ the broad light of day, after he had left him dead in$4$ 302:222,00[A ]| the bottom of the hole, he became superstitiously convinced that$3$ God himself 302:222,00[A ]| had permitted the dead to$9$ leave his hiding place for$4$ the purpose of bringing 302:222,00[A ]| the murderer to$4$ justice. 302:222,00[A ]| It is no$2$ unusual thing to$9$ find criminals of his class deeply impregnated 302:222,00[A ]| with superstition, and Bill insisted to$4$ the last that$3$ the murdered man was 302:222,00[A ]| quite dead when he had placed him in$4$ the hole, and where, in$4$ his anxiety to$9$ 302:222,00[A ]| prevent the body from appearing above the surface, he had lost his boot in$4$ 302:222,00[A ]| the mud, and was too fearful of discovery to$9$ remain to$9$ try and get it out. 302:222,00[A ]| Bill was convicted, sentenced to$4$ death, and hung; many other crimes 302:222,00[A ]| of a similar nature to$4$ that$6#2$ which$6#1$ he had committed on$4$ Chinaman's*Flat 302:222,00[A ]| having been brought home to$4$ him by$4$ his own confession.