couldn't keep quiet.) 'Now, Number
One, fetch down the mail bags; Number Two, close up here.'

Here Jim walked up, revolver in hand, and Starlight begins at the first
man, very stern--

'Hand out your cash; keep back nothing, if you value your life.'

You never saw a man in such a funk. He was a storekeeper, we found
afterwards. He nearly dropped on his knees. Then he handed Starlight a
bundle of notes, a gold watch, and took a handsome diamond ring from
his finger. This Starlight put into his pocket. He handed the notes and
watch to Jim, who had a leather bag ready for them. The man sank down on
the ground; he had fainted.

He was left to pick himself up. No. 2 was told to shell out. They all
had something. Some had sovereigns, some had notes and small cheques,
which are as good in a country place. The squatters draw too many to
know the numbers of half that are out, so there's no great chance of
their being stopped. There were eighteen male passengers, besides
the chap on the box-seat. We made him come down. By the time we'd got
through them all it was best part of an hour.

I pulled the mail bags through the fence and put them under a tree. Then
Starlight went to the coach where the two women were. He took off his
hat and bowed.

'Unpleasant necessity, madam, most painful to my feelings altogether, I
assure you. I must really ask you--ah--is the young lady your daughter,
madam?'

'Not at all,' says the oldest, stout, middle-aged woman; 'I never set
eyes on her before.'

'Indeed, madam,' says Starlight, bowing again; 'excuse my curiosity, I
am desolated, I assure you, but may I trouble you for your watches and
purses?'

'As you're a gentleman,' said the fat lady, 'I fully expected you'd have
let us off. I'm Mrs. Buxter, of Bobbrawobbra.'

'Indeed! I have no words to express my regret,' says Starlight; 'but, my
dear lady, hard necessity compels me. Thanks, very much,' he said to the
young girl.

She handed over a small old Geneva watch and a little purse. The plump
lady had a gold watch with a chain and purse to match.

'Is that all?' says he, trying to speak stern.

'It's my very all,' says the girl, 'five pounds. Mother gave me her
watch, and I shall have no money to take me to Bowning, where I am going
to a situation.'

Her lips shook and trembled and the tears came into her eyes.

Starlight carefully handed Mrs. Buxter's watch and purse to Jim. I saw
him turn round and open the other purse, and