und in his
breast, and evidently the bushrangers put it there, to show that in this
instance, at least, their object was revenge and not plunder.

"That the bushrangers were a bad lot," continued the gentleman, "no one
will deny, but in many instances they showed chivalry and appreciation
of bravery. It was rare, indeed, that they ill-treated women or
children, and it was also very rarely the case that they committed
murder except in self-defense or for revenge. This led a good many
sentimental people to regard them rather in the light of dashing heroes
than that of downright criminals. You have probably heard of Captain
Melville, have you not?" he asked, turning to Harry and Ned.

The youths nodded, and said the name of that famous bushranger was
familiar to them.

"Well, it once happened," said their informant, "that Captain Melville
had in his power a man whom, of all others, he had most occasion to
dread,--an officer of high standing in the police force, at that time
engaged in pursuit of the robber, whom he declared he would take alive
or dead. This officer was riding one day alone and slightly armed, when
he suddenly met Melville with his entire gang. The police uniform
readily told the rank of the officer, and it happened that Melville and
several of his men were familiar with the officer's face.

"He was immediately surrounded and disarmed; his hands were tied behind
his back, and his captives took him triumphantly to their camp. When the
camp was reached, the prisoner was bound to a wagon wheel while his
captors held a counsel to decide what to do with him. The officer was
noted for his courage, and when Melville came near him, he was taunted
by his captive for his cowardice in taking him at the time when he was
defenseless and alone.

"Melville became angry at the taunt, and, walking towards his prisoner,
he placed a loaded revolver at his head and said, 'Say another word and
I'll blow your brains out.'

"'You dare not do it,' replied the officer, and he looked with an
unflinching eye at the robber.

"Melville's eyes glared, and probably the slightest show of fear on the
part of the officer would have provoked a fatal shot.

"Melville held the pistol at the prisoner's head for a few seconds and
then lowered it, saying, as he did so, 'You are too brave a man to be
shot,' and then he turned and walked away. The officer afterwards
managed to escape and reach Melbourne safely. The supposition is that he