of Waroona under the very noses of yourself and all
the troopers in Australia?"

"That is scarcely likely, Mrs. Burke."

"I don't know," she repeated. "You don't know who they are, or you would
have them inside the walls of the lock-up. Now tell me, have you any
idea?"

"I cannot tell you that, Mrs. Burke. What I can tell you is to put out
of your mind entirely any fear that they will pay you a visit."

She shook her head and resumed her walk to and fro.

"Suppose they come?" she exclaimed, halting at the table opposite to
him. "Suppose they come at dead of night? I might be murdered in my bed
while I was asleep and only know it when I woke up to find myself
killed."

Durham laughed.

"It's true, and you know it, Mr. Durham. Sure I never was so shaken and
nervous as I am to-night! Could you send Brennan out when you return to
the township?"

"I am afraid that is impossible," he said.

"But why? Sure the fellow has nothing to do but sleep, and he may as
well sleep here as in his own quarters."

"He is on duty to-night."

"On duty? Now that the bank's robbed, I suppose he's guarding it? The
horse is stolen, so you lock the door of the empty stable, Mr. Durham;
but where there's a chance of another horse being stolen you let it look
after itself as best it may. And that's what you call doing your duty
and earning the money we poor unfortunate taxpayers have to provide for
you!"

"I am afraid I cannot discuss that matter with you, Mrs. Burke," he said
coldly.

"No!" she retorted hotly. "No, you can't. All you can do is to put the
only constable in the place to guard an empty bank----"

"There is a reason why Brennan should remain in the township to-night.
It is therefore quite impossible for him to come out here--as well as
being unnecessary."

She flounced round and resumed her rapid striding until old Patsy
appeared with the tea.

"Make haste, now, Patsy, make haste!" she exclaimed. "Sure you are the
slowest old fool ever set on the earth to delay and keep people
waiting."

The old man, mumbling to himself, set the meal and left the room.

"Now, Mr. Durham, just make yourself at home with such scant hospitality
as I can show you. If it was in Ireland, sure I'd give you a meal worth
the eating, but here, with me not knowing whether I'm to own this place
or not, and without a soul about it save useless old Patsy to do a
hand's turn, you'll understand it's only a poor pot-luck sort of spread
at the