-please--don't speak like that! It is dreadful. And I feel sure
there is some middle course."

"I'm no believer in middle courses!"

"That I know. Yet--you have suffered so--I feel sure something could be
done! I--that is my people--have influence--money----"

"They can keep their money."

Moya begged his pardon. It was not an act in which she excelled. Yet
nothing could have been sweeter than her confusion, nothing finer than
her frank humility.

"I was only wondering if there was anything--anything--we could any of
us do! It would be understood so well. His father! Surely that would be
enough! I know the Governor. I would think nothing of going to him. I
honestly believe that he would pardon you both!"

Moya felt the black eyes burning, and for once her own eyes fell; indeed
she was a wondrous picture of beauty and youth and enthusiasm, there in
that place, in her dainty blouse and habit, with the dull green mallee
above and all around her. But they were a yet more extraordinary pair,
the old bushranger of a bygone day, and the Melbourne beauty of the
present.

"So you believe that, do you?" said the former sardonically.

"From the bottom of my heart."

"Suppose you were wrong?"

"I would move heaven and earth."

"Then jump on your horse!"

"Why?"

"I'm coming with you--to the police-barracks!"

It was like a dream. Moya could have rubbed her eyes, and soon had to do
so, for they were full of tears. She sobbed her thanks; she flung out
both hands to press them home. The convict waited grimly at her horse's
head.

"Better wait and see what comes of it," said he. "And think yourself
lucky worse hasn't come of it yet! I'm not thinking of myself; do you
know where you are? Do you know that this is Blind Man's Block? Haven't
you heard about it? Then you should thank your stars you've a good old
bushman to lead you out; for it's like getting out of a maze, I can tell
you; and if you'd been warned, as I was, I don't think you'd have
ventured in."

Moya had never realised that it was into Blind Man's Block she had
plunged so rashly. Nor did the discovery disturb her now. She was too
full of her supreme triumph to dwell for many moments upon any one of
the risks that she had run for its accomplishment. Neither did she look
too far ahead. She would keep faith with this poor creature; no need to
count the cost just yet. Moya set her mind's eye upon the reunion at the
police-barracks: her advent as the heroi