he dead men, even if
we had had the proper tools to open the earth. With a sigh, we left the
birds their prey, and once more continued our journey through the
wildest part of the sterile country between Melbourne and Ballarat.

"On, on, we went, urging our panting, tired beasts without mercy; and
just as we thought we should have to halt, to allow the animals a
resting spell, we reached the large cattle station of Witon Martells.
Here we found every thing in confusion; and although usually half a
dozen men were employed at the station, only two came out to greet us,
and they wore frightened visages.

"We soon heard their story. The murderers had rode up to the hut about
six o'clock the evening before, and wished to exchange horses. The
stockmen refused; and hardly were the words from their mouths before one
of the convicts drew a revolver, and fired upon those standing in front
of him; and while he was thus amusing himself, his companion sat on his
horse, and laughed to see those not instantly killed endeavor to get
away! Three men fell under the fire, and hardly knew what caused their
death, it was so sudden. One man, mortally wounded, was just dying as we
rode up; and the two that came to greet us had saved their lives by
taking to their heels, and entering the bush.

"They had watched the convicts pick from the herd of horses the most
able and strongest nags, and then, after eating what they could find
ready cooked in the hut, started for Ballarat, where, no doubt, amongst
the crowd of miners, they thought they would escape detection.

"Throughout the long night we spurred onward, and when daylight
appeared, tired and sore with our journey, we stopped at another station
to change horses. The murderers had left their mark at that place also,
and in front of the door was the stockman shot through the heart, and
stone dead.

"The men selected a number of animals, and after our never-failing
stimulant, a cup of coffee, and a piece of broiled meat, we were in the
saddle again, and galloping towards the next station, where I knew it
would be impossible for the convicts to obtain fresh horses, as sheep
only were kept there.

"At twelve o'clock we reached the station, and drew up at the door.
There was no sign of life about the premises, and with sad misgivings, I
dismounted, and entered the hut; but I started back in horror, for on
the floor were a dozen men, motionless and lifeless, as I at first
thought; but a clos