on, yet the clamor which they raised while drinking
from Smith's cherished keg of rum, was sufficient to lead a party to
their seclusion without fear of being discovered.

We skulked behind a clump of bushes, and for a few minutes listened to
the conversation. Oaths, robbery, and murder were themes as common on
their lips as prayers from a minister desirous of getting an increase of
salary.

"We have heard enough of this, Fred," I said. "Let us return, bring up
Murden and his party, and take the villains alive."

"Agreed," cried my companion; and retracing our steps, we were once more
by the side of Smith, who sat, in company with the hound, watching his
two prisoners with great diligence.

"Your keg of rum is a blessing, Smith," I said. "The bushrangers are
taking to it finely, and in an hour's time they will be unconsciously
drunk."

"We are now going to join Murden and his policemen, and bring them up
for the purpose of capturing the remainder of the gang."

"Good--I'll wait here with these two, and give a good account of them
when you return. Let me keep the dog," he said, as the hound rose to
follow us.

I spoke a few words to the animal, and he quietly returned to the chief
bushranger, and laid down by his side with a brilliant show of teeth.

There had not been a shot fired from the hut for more than half an hour.
The inmates were evidently puzzled at the silence of those on the
outside, and as the gang were too busy getting drunk to attend to
business, it was not probable that another attempt would be made before
our return.

Ten minutes' brisk travelling brought us in sight of Murden's force.
They were on the alert, for we were challenged as we drew near, but were
received joyfully by the officer and his men. They suspected, from the
sudden ceasing of the guns, that we had been surprised; and it was with
the utmost astonishment that they listened to an account of the capture
of the two men.

"We will lose no time," cried the lieutenant "Mount, men, and proceed."

As we trotted towards the hut, Fred suggested to give those on the
inside an intimation of our presence, and as they would be likely to
recognize the voice of their officer sooner than any body else, Murden
rode to the door, dismounted, and rapping, spoke to his men in tones
they well knew.

The bars were removed cautiously, but when convinced that their officer
was speaking, the men were overjoyed. They rushed out to be
congratulated b