ager a stiff glass of viskey, vich you
vill ax me to take by and by, that you vouldn't know me on the first
occasion of my visit. 'Steel Spring,' said the governor, 'it can't be
did;' and ven I pledged my vord as a gentleman and a man of probity,
that I vould vrite to him the result, in a strict sense, he shook my
'and, and said I was a honor to the land wot give me birth, and that he
'oped he should never be called upon to part vid me. Ven can I 'ave the
viskey?"

I stood a few minutes surveying the ex-bushranger with admiration, and
hardly knowing whether he most deserved a kicking or a word of praise
for his falsehoods and perfect disguise. While I was considering the
matter, Fred joined us, being awakened by the shrill chuckling of our
visitor.

"You have not forgotten how to lie, at all events," I said, "and perhaps
the peculiar talent that you display in that line may be of some service
to us; so, for the purpose of keeping in practice, all your stories will
go undisputed at present."

"Ven a man is perfect in a certain line of things, he don' vant
practice, unless he grows rusty, or is out of employment. Now, since I
have been connected vid the police force, I've almost forgotten how to
speak the truth; and, somehow, I don't think that it agrees vid me; for
unless I'se honest I have a fit of blues that lasts me until I've made
up to my reckness. Ven can I have the viskey?"

I gave him a glass of strong American whiskey, which would make the
tears come into a man's eyes unless his throat was sheathed with tin;
but Steel Spring tossed it down, and smacked his lips, as though it was
so much water.

"Now, then, I feel like a man vot has found a nugget--perfectly happy
for the time being, but miserable as soon as the excitement has passed
away, 'cos he don't know when he shall get another."

"When did you reach Ballarat?" Fred asked, as soon as Steel Spring was
inclined to hold his tongue.

"This evening. I've been on the road two days, but feel as fresh as a
newly-hatched parrot."

"Did Murden tell you what we required of you?" I asked.

"He said something about my getting the vorst thrashing that I ever had
in my life, unless I obeyed orders. So here I am, ready to go to vork
and do my best."

"Where are you stopping?" I inquired.

"Vell, the lieutenant said that I vos to play _loose_; and pretend not
to go near you, unless I vos so fixed up that even my dear friend, the
governor, vouldn't know me; an