nk that is any reason why the scoundrel should escape?"
exclaimed Rainsfield. "When Mr. Ferguson knows as much about them as I
do, he will likewise exclude them from his place. I have been at
considerable pains at keeping them at a distance, and do not intend to
let them be emboldened by the success of this scoundrel; which would
necessarily be the case were he to escape scathless. He shall be
punished, and that speedily and effectually."

At this point of the discussion Bob Smithers joined the disputants, and
having been an unseen listener to these objurgations; and, having a
natural antipathy to the blacks, and a vindictive desire to annoy his
lately discovered rival, had a corresponding inclination to support Mr.
Rainsfield's determination to punish the captive.

"Your arrival, Smithers," said the other, as Bob entered the store, "is
very opportune. I have just discovered a blackguardly black fellow
stealing tobacco, and it appears from my storekeeper's account, he is a
servant of Mr. Ferguson. What would you propose we should do with him?"

"I would say flog him," replied Smithers; "take him into the bush, so
that his voice cannot be heard at the house, and tie him up to a tree;
give him a taste of the stock-whip, and send him home to his master,
with a request that if he takes a fancy to the brutes, he either keeps
them on his run, or teaches them to exhibit better propensities when
they visit his neighbours."

"A capital idea, by Jove! Smithers," exclaimed Rainsfield; "we will
certainly give him a tickling. I have got a fellow on the station that
would cut a piece clean out of the hide of a bullock with his
stock-whip. I will get him to manipulate; and I calculate, our darkie
here will not trouble us with his presence again." As he said this he
joined his companion in a burst of merriment at the wonder depicted in
the countenance of their almost unconscious victim, who evidently
anticipated rough usage, though perfectly ignorant of the nature of the
sentence passed upon him. Rainsfield then called one of the men, and
directed him to get Smith, the stock-man, to take the black fellow into
the bush for a few hundred yards, and tie him up to a tree with his back
bared, and take a stock-whip with him, and await the coming of himself
and Mr. Smithers.

"You surely, gentlemen, do not intend putting your threat into
execution," cried Billing, who was standing amazed at the coolness of
their preparations. "I appeal,