n much service during that time. I
shall start near dark, halt half a mile from the edge of the forest, and
remain there until daylight. Does that suit your ideas of our peculiar
kind of warfare?"

We could offer no objections to the plan proposed; and as we were to
spend the day in idleness, looked around the hut for something to make a
breakfast on. The policeman guessed our thoughts, for he called one of
his men, and gave him an order.

"Get coffee and breakfast ready, Maurice," he said, "and when ready,
serve it here."

The man bowed, saluted his superior, and retired with military
precision.

"An old soldier," said the lieutenant, carelessly; "he has served
through half a dozen campaigns in India."

"And did he never rise above the ranks?" I asked.

"Never obtained a position higher than that of corporal; but that is not
extraordinary in the English army. Promotion with us goes with birth and
influence, not merit and brave deeds. Maurice has distinguished himself
in many a hotly-contested field; yet now, in his old age, he draws a
trifling pension, and is glad to be enrolled in the police force of
Melbourne, where better pay and quick promotion awaits him."

"As you have been in the country for many years, suppose that you give
us a short account of your experience," cried Fred.

"Willingly; but wait until after breakfast. That woman is getting
better--hear her breath, regular and natural. Let her father come in to
tend her, if he wishes."

The latter remark was made to one of his privates, who stood at the
door, and had prevented the entrance of the aged convict. The father
entered with a humble air, and seated himself near his daughter's side.

He appeared too grateful for the privilege of thus remaining in the
presence of his superior to pay any attention to his conversation; and
when breakfast had been disposed of, and our pipes were lighted, each of
us chose a comfortable place to rest at full length on the floor of the
hut, and discuss matters and things in Australia. I found the lieutenant
a rare companion, and a man that had seen much service in the country.

"We have a number of hours to spare before we undertake our expedition,"
said Fred, during a pause in the conversation; "suppose you favor us
with a short history of some of your adventures in this country. You
have seen many years' service as a police agent, and tales of no
ordinary kind must be familiar to you."

"If I should tell you