valises lest the temptation to appropriate their contents might be too
great to be resisted.

While we were discussing our supper, they managed to devour the whole of
the opossum between them; and then, having stuck some boughs in the
ground to form a hut, they lay down side by side beneath them, and were
quickly asleep, evidently feeling perfectly secure in our neighbourhood.

Both Guy and I wanted to see more of the natives, and Bracewell
consented, should our guests again offer to guide us to their camp, to
ride round to it, as it would not take us much out of our way. There
was, he said, a few miles off, a large shallow lagoon, near which they
were assembled for the purpose of fishing and catching the wild fowl
which frequented it; and that we should thus have an opportunity of
seeing the way in which they engaged in those pursuits. As he knew the
country well, he could easily make his way back to the direct route, so
that we could run no risk of missing Hector and the dominie. That
Bracewell might enjoy a full night's rest, Guy and I agreed to keep
watch and watch, but he laughed at our proposal, declaring that it was
useless.

"But should bushrangers stumble upon us, we might all three be stuck up,
and find ourselves minus our horses and rifles," said Guy.

"No chance of that," answered Bracewell, "the fellows were certain to
clear out of this part of the country, when they knew the police were on
their tracks. There is a greater risk from the blacks, though I feel
sure those two fellows there can be trusted."

In spite of Bracewell's remarks, Guy and I determined to keep to our
resolution, and as soon as he was asleep, I rose, and having made up the
fire, walked about, endeavouring to keep my eyes open. I tried this for
some time, when feeling tired, I sat down with my rifle by my side.

How it was I could not tell, but before long I found myself stretched on
the ground, and when I awoke the fire was almost out. Giving a kick to
the embers to obtain a flame, I looked at my watch. It was then almost
day-break and I thought it useless to rouse my brother.
Directly afterwards a chorus of cachinnations from a couple of
laughing-jackasses, gave me notice that the morning would soon commence.

I called Guy and Bracewell, who shrewdly suspected what had happened,
although as no harm had come of it, they spared me any severe remarks.

While we were breakfasting, the blacks, who had got on their legs,
sa