r, six water holes," Jim said. "No trouble about dat--trouble
from de black fellow."

"Well, we must risk it, anyhow. We can't start for a day or two. I
must send and fetch up all the police, and I daresay some of the
colonists will join. The news of this business here has maddened
everyone, and as it is not likely that the blacks will give any
trouble for some time, and as we know the bush rangers have left
for the present, no one need be afraid of leaving their station for
a week or two."

The next day mounted messengers were sent off in all directions,
giving notice that the police would start, in three days' time, for
a hunt after the bush rangers; and that there was, this time, every
prospect of success, as their hiding place was known.

On the day named, no less than thirty settlers assembled; together
with the whole of the police force. All were well armed, and had
brought several days' provisions with them. Mr. Donald had made
marked progress, and the surgeon had now every hopes of his
recovery; but as he could not be moved, and it was just possible
the bush ranger might return to carry out his threat, during their
absence, two constables were left in the house; and Kate was
charged, on no account, to put her foot outside the door.

Chapter 17: In Pursuit.

The last thing before the party started, Reuben went into the
house. Mr. Barker was going to remain behind. He was past middle
life, and the expedition was likely to be a very toilsome one; and
Reuben was glad when he said that he thought six days' severe
riding would be rather too much for him, and that he should
constitute himself the guardian of the ladies.

"My wife has arranged to stay here, while you are away; so I shall
ride over to my place and see that all is going on straight, every
day, and sleep here at night."

"Well, ladies," Reuben said, as he entered the room, "we are just
off. So I will say goodbye to you; and I hope that, on my return, I
shall find Mr. Donald much better. I am sure that Mr. Ruskin would
not have left, this morning, unless he felt that he had quite
turned the corner. Pray take care of yourselves, while we are away.
You know I don't want to alarm you, but pray be careful. I shall
not feel comfortable, as to your safety, till I have that villain
safely in my hands."

"Goodbye, Captain Whitney. You know you have all our best wishes,"
Mrs. Barker said. "We will take care of ourselves, till we hear
that you have