carefully. Let each man watch
his neighbour, to the right and left, and keep in line as much as
you can."

The fight now commenced in earnest, but the settlers and police
gradually made their way forward. Not only had they the advantage
in weapons; but the fact that they were able to fire while lying
down, or stooping, gave them an immense advantage over the blacks;
who had to expose themselves when rising to throw their spears, or
take aim with their bows.

Several times, emboldened by their superior numbers, the blacks
attempted a rush; but the heavy fire from rifle and pistol which
greeted them, each time, sent them back in diminished numbers. At
last the resistance became feebler, as the natives, seeing that
they were being driven out of their shelter, began to slink off; so
as not to be exposed to the fire of the white men, in the
comparatively open ground beyond. Many, however, were not quick
enough, and were shot down as they scaled the steep hillside.

The party of whites gathered, and compared notes. Many had received
wounds more or less severe, but none of a nature to prevent them
from continuing their journey. They quickly returned to their
horses and, mounting, continued their way.

"There is no fear of any farther attack, I should think, sergeant."

"I should think not, sir. The beggars must have had enough of it.
They must have lost from forty to fifty men."

Two hours later, the party arrived at the halting place.

"Now, sergeant," Reuben said, "I shall hand over the command to
you; and shall ride on at once, with my boy. I am most anxious
about the man who has escaped. I shall take four of the bush
rangers' horses. They have not been ridden and, having had three or
four days' rest, are comparatively fresh. The fellow has had only
one day's start and, if I push straight on, I may be there before
him."

Reuben briefly bade adieu to his friends, while Jim was
transferring the saddles to two of the bush rangers' horses and,
leading two others, they started together in darkness. Changing
saddles every ten miles, they rode on till past midnight, when they
halted; for the horses, accustomed as they were to long journeys,
were now completely broken down, and Jim and his master could
scarce keep their seats.

"Too much long," Jim said, as he threw himself down, after taking
off the saddles and hobbling the horses; "too much long, sah."

"It is long, Jim," Reuben replied. "People in England would ha