legs under the horses' bellies, and fastening long
leathern thongs to the bridles. We then, carrying off the ammunition,
and two of the guns as trophies, smashed up the others, and threw the
saddles and the few articles of baggage we found, on the fire,
retaining, however, one or two things which were likely to prove
acceptable to our black guide, who was highly delighted with his share
of the plunder. Hoping to receive a further reward, he undertook to
accompany us to Bracewell's, and to lead our prisoners' horses. We
thought it prudent, however, not to trust him too much, though we
accepted his offer, provided he could keep up to us.

We were anxious as soon as possible to hand our prisoners over to the
police, lest their two comrades, still at large, with others of the gang
they might fall in with, should attempt their rescue; but we felt pretty
secure, as they would know that, so long as we were on the watch, they
were not likely to succeed. Should we, however, be kept out another
night, they would compel us to be very vigilant, while we should have to
guard both ourselves and the horses.

Although the two bushrangers had escaped, we had succeeded in breaking
up the gang, and without guns and ammunition they would have great
difficulty in supporting themselves; while the two we had made prisoners
would probably, on their trial, be ready to give such information as
might assist in the capture of others.

Leading on our prisoners, we now set out to return to where we had left
the dominie.

We had, I should have said, hurriedly eaten some of the provisions Guy
and Hector had cooked, and we took the remainder so that no time need be
lost in proceeding to Bracewell's.

On reaching the spot, what was our dismay to see neither the dominie nor
the horses. We shouted to him, but no reply came.

"What can have become of him?" exclaimed Guy. "Those fellows must have
fallen in with him, and compelled him to accompany them."

"I do not think that is possible," I remarked, "for they went off in a
different direction. Still his disappearance is very mysterious. We
must try to learn what the black thinks about the matter."

We inquired of our guide, by signs and such words as he understood.

He examined the ground on every side and then started off at a run in a
southerly direction, and on closer examination we discovered traces of
the horses.

After waiting some time, as the black did not return, Guy proposed th