from that with which he had first addressed us.

We confirmed the report, and gave the particulars.

He listened to us with astonishment; and yet his wonder was not unmixed
with admiration. I saw him try to suppress that feeling, but it would
find vent, John Bull like, and with an oath he exclaimed,--

"By G----! you Americans are a wonderful people. You seek adventures
with as much gusto as a knight-errant of the olden times. If I had a
dozen such as you two under my charge, I'd soon free this neighborhood
of bushrangers."

"There would be but one difficulty," answered Fred, with a laugh.

"And pray what is that?" asked the lieutenant.

"Why, Yankees have a great desire to lead, instead of being led."

He drew us one side, so that his men could not overhear his remarks, and
said,--

"Of course you knew that a large reward was offered for the death of
Darnley and his gang."

We reiterated our ignorance, and the officer looked at us in
astonishment.

"Then let me give you joy--for you have completed one of the best day's
work that you ever began. Give me the proof that Darnley and his gang
are dead, and I will put you in the way of obtaining the reward."

"We did not sell our rifles for gold," replied Fred, "but to assist an
old man to revenge his daughter's injuries. If you can serve Smith and
the old convict, we will willingly forego all thoughts of a reward."

In a few words we stated the case, and put him in possession of the
facts relative to our taking up arms. He listened to us patiently, and
when we had finished, said,--

"If you can give convincing proof that the gang of bushrangers has been
broken up, I can certainly promise you a free, unconditional pardon for
Smith and the stockman. But I must first see the bodies of the dead men,
and have your certificate of the gallantry of the parties named."

"How can we manage that?" we asked.

"By delaying your journey, and accompanying me to the spot."

Fred and myself consulted for a moment and agreed to do so. A day or a
week was nothing to us, if Smith could be made a free man. We called to
him:--

"Smith," said Fred, "do you wish a pardon from government?"

The poor fellow flushed red in the face, and then the blood receded and
left his cheeks pallid as death.

"If you wish a free and unconditional pardon, you must go with us back
to the haunts of Darnley," Fred said.

The tears started to his eyes with delight, and for a moment he was
inca