The Gold Hunters' Adventures; Or, Life in Australia

pettishly, as he saw Fred and myself examin

r return," cried Fred, blunt

an under tone, felt the edge of his consta

e but that I shall have to be near at hand. But I tell you it is bad business, and non

at old man go alone,

but t

ugh to collect his thoughts

t gang on the island. Black Darnley is equal

t of rifle shot?" I asked, holding up a short, heavy

I know that you boys can shoot, but su

st to luck," answ

ut we have joined our fortunes for a trip to the mines,

'll go?"

killed it mat

a few cakes of bread and the remains of the kangaroo, while Smith provided

turn and claim the few articles of property that belonged to

ng us on our tramp. She remained motionless' until we turned to continue our march, and then

upon the edge of this wild region. On the alarm being given, the villains discharged a volley at the officers and then fled. Five of the police were killed or wounded, but the remainder, nothing daunted, started in pursuit. They got separated amidst the thickets, and but one man returned a

ind; that there was much peril and little honor to be gained in an encounter with half a dozen desperate men, who kne

t to find whether the blades worked easily in their sheaths, it was because we expected to use them, and knew t

oods; all was gloomy and silent. Occasionally a parrot upon the borders of the forest uttered a shrill scream, and then spr

off, scouring the prairie in his search, but always returning, until he suddenly stopped before what seemed a dense thicket. During all the tim

gers," the convict said, suddenly halting,

runaways," cried Smith, resting his heavy axe upon the ground, and

ur faces with his knowing eyes, and then trotted slowly back

ied Fred, impatiently. "If we are to search for bushrangers,

success depends upon the degree of caution that we employ. Our object is

ndian style of warfare, hey? Well, we are somewhat used to that, an

ash which he wore around his waist, and then, briefly surveying the little part

met our view; and had we not known that the dog came from a breed of hounds that never deceive,

er his head and let its sharp edge strike the bushes, intending to cut a passage. As if by magic the

d that no one would have suspected that an entrance into the forest was possible in that quarter. It proved to us that

and the noble animal, after a brief examin

tion, for we wished to come u

thickets and dense growth of trees,-hardly noticing the small wild animals of the hare species that ran before

who led the way, holding up

ointing to an opening in the trees

nger doubted that we were in the vicinity of an encampment, although neith

st any one's," Smith said; "but if you

scent than the sight. Now I can smell smoke, but see none," the aged convict said

m a fire that has long been neglected and is about dying out. I will wager a pound of good rifle powder that in yonder clearing we shall find a

ng tone. "If we are," he continued, "in close p

irection, while you and Smith can steal towards it from another. There are many reasons why

ould catch his words and fears. "I see," he continued, "the force of your reasoning. When

e dog. We were about to start in a different direction, but still verg

my property and remit the sale of it to my mother. She is somewhere, in London, I believe. Ta

next minute we lost sight of his burly form

rees, in the deep shade, to avoid the heat of the sun. Not a dry stick was trodden upon to send forth its crackling sound-not a bough was brushed past rudely for fear its waving top should give an alarm. Silently

snugly together on the sides of the cabin, and grass was crowded into the chinks, although in some places it had been pushed out as for the purpose of enabling those within to take

t from the ground, and which appeared to contain some person who was sleeping. For ten minutes after we reache

e he had an opportunity to use it, the heavy axe descended upon his unprotected

ng whether he should return and finish his nap or exercise in the open air. He was not long in making up his mind, for his keen scent detected something in the atmosphere that was not right

to the murdered man bounded into the enclosure and fastened his strong teeth into

ong jaws, and that cry raised an alarm that brought half a dozen men, wit

d in their hands, as though to get ready for a sudden attack; and while we were in a state of uncertainty, and almost ready to commence the fight, a t

this continues;" and as he spoke, he raised the branch of a tree which was lying near the fire, and lifting it as easily as a common man would a walking stick, he struck at the ho

of Black Darnley. Twice I raised my rifle to my shoulder; and thought to interpose against what I considere

ain; for the animal sprang aside, and the stick fell heavily upon the sharp-nose

roat. The latter staggered back, surprised at the sudden attack, but only for an instant. His stout hands were quickly raised, and then his grasp e

t of the pain he was inflicting. The gang started forward to assist the ruffian, but with an oath he bade them k

w Darnley loosen his hold of the dog, stagger back, press one hand upon his side as though he felt a s

how no quarter or mercy; fight till

of blood gushed forth, and dyed the ground a scarlet hue; he strove to keep upon his feet, but his strength was ebbin

their leader alone, unsupported; but as he fell, they issued forth,

Fred, as he hastil

e Fred had driven his rifle ball home there was a discharge opp

ending from the discharged musket. Before they had reached half way across the clearing, Fred a

seek safety in flight; but before they gained the shelter of the woods our revolve

d the convict, bursting through the thick bushes with his lon

mith, waving his heavy axe over his h

usket, presented it full at the broad breast of Smith. The latter did not falter or dodge, but rushed towards the robber with uplifted axe

d have shot the fellow myself, but my rifle was empty; still thinking to save him, I ran hastily towards the parties; but be

fore he had an opportunity to use it the heavy axe descended upon his unprot

mith there was not another bushranger left to battle with. We w

d the aged convict, removing his apology f

preparations for quitting these woods, i

-for this mighty triumph," cried the old man, whose

d. Two good rifle shots are a great help towards obtaining a victory," exclaimed Smith, wiping his axe of the crimson gore which still adhe

werful, and can cru

examine yonder hut, and then make our way back to the team as fast as possi

dead. The rifle ball had made sure work, having passed through his left side in the direction of his heart, and made its exit below the ribs opposite. On the dar

self, I divided with him; and during our long sojourn in Australia, he kept one, and I the other. He still clings

s other articles; and while we were sorting them, I kicked aside some dirt, and saw a flat stone. Curiosity prompted me to move it, and undernea

then setting fire to the hut, left it blazing, knowing full well that those of the gang who escaped would

until we reached the hut of the convict stockman. The daughter of the latter

he d

ction cross her face, as she thought of her injuries,