a peg," and he handed Lamington his brandy
flask.

The officer poured out a stiff nip, drank it off, and then pointed to
one of his troopers, who had just dismounted, and was holding in his
hand a heavy bundle, wrapped up in an ensanguined saddle-cloth.

"That's my L500, Grainger. I'll have to send those heads to Townsville
for identification before I can claim the reward. Awfully smart of you
to pot both of them."

"Lamington, you're a _beast_. Tell that nigger of yours to take that
infernal bundle away and keep it out of sight, or, by heavens, you and I
will quarrel."

Lamington, gentleman at heart, apologised: "I _am_ a beast, Grainger. I
didn't think of Miss Carolan."

* * * * *

When Sheila awakened she had to bid Dick Scott goodbye, for Lamington
was taking him back to Chinkie's Flat.

"Goodbye, Miss Caroline. You an' the boss will pull along all right to
Minerva Downs. And when I sees you again, I hope that------"

"Dry up, Dick," said Grainger, with assumed severity.

"Oh, I know it's all right, boss; isn't it, Miss Caroline?"

"Yes, Mr. Scott," said Sheila with a smile, as she put her little hand
into his. "I don't think I shall stay very long at Minerva Downs, and I
do think you will soon see me again."

"At Chinkie's Flat?"

"Yes, at Chinkie's Flat," said Grainger, as he put his arm round Sheila,
and drew her to him. "Mr. Lamington is sending up a parson from the Bay
to Minerva Downs."

"Boss," cried Scott, exultantly, "there's goin' to be a red, rosy, high
old time by and by at Chinkie's Flat."

THE END

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