their arms and
cried out for quarter. Their lives were of course spared, but their
hands being lashed behind them, they were conducted back to the hut.
Another man was caught, but the rest were allowed to escape. "We can
always get any we require," observed one of the police. The prisoners
were the men Craven supposed. He himself was the chief cause of their
being taken. Except that his dress was rough, as usual, his whole
manner was changed as he galloped across the field. Graham looked at
him more than once with astonishment.

They were all once more collected in the hut, doing justice to the fare
Sam and Larry had provided.

"I am nearly certain that I know you!" said the police officer,
addressing Craven. "My name is Graham, and yours is--"

"All right, old fellow!" cried Craven, jumping up and grasping his hand;
"it is pleasant, indeed, to meet a near relation out here. I never
heard of your coming."

"Nor did I know of your being here. However, we will not lose sight of
each other again," said the lieutenant.

As scarcely any of the stockmen or hut-keepers could be trusted, the
Gilpins begged that some of the police might remain, while they went
round to drive in and concentrate the herds of cattle and the flocks of
sheep, now probably without keepers, and subject to the depredations of
the outlaws. It was very hard work; but, with the help of Craven, a few
of the better-disposed men, who were found at their huts (having
probably returned there after the ill-success of their expedition), were
selected, and the task was accomplished. Fresh hands were sent for.
Craven was appointed overseer, with his friend under him. Graham set
off with his prisoners for headquarters, Norfolk Island being, without
doubt, their ultimate destination. No tidings could be gained of
Basham. He was probably hid away in the mountains, but it was not
likely that he would make any further attempts on the station. The
disorderly servants were dismissed, fresh ones arrived, and for some
time the affairs entrusted to the young settlers went on quietly and
prosperously.

CHAPTER FIVE.

The Gilpins found Craven a great addition to their social circle in
their remote station. They, more than ever, required support and
assistance, for depressing news began to reach them from Sydney. The
financial affairs of the colony had for some time past been in an
unsatisfactory state. Money for paying the men was often consider