, the
blacks themselves will never move at night, from superstitious
feelings,--the dread of meeting evil spirits: of good ones they have no
notion. There were a good many blacks about, so we signed them to go on
ahead, and that we would follow. They did so--when suddenly they drew
back, and we saw before us, on the side of an open glade, under a
thick-stemmed tree, a rude hut, and just before it, on the ground, two
men, wretched, haggard creatures.

On drawing nearer we discovered that the forms alone of the men were
there, the spirit had fled. Not a particle of food was to be found near
them, but there were the ashes of a small fire, and near it two or three
pieces of burnt leather. They had been endeavouring, when too late, to
satisfy the cravings of hunger with such food. We had more to discover.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

CONCLUSION.

It was a sad sight, but what we saw when we got closer was of even
sadder significance. The blacks pointed to one of the bodies which lay
stretched out. There was a cut on the head, and, as if just fallen from
the right hand of the other man, an axe. There could be no doubt that
the last act of one of the famished men had been to murder his
companion--for what object it was horrible to think.

But who were these poor wretches? We were convinced that they were
bush-rangers. It was even possible that they were the late companions
of Arthur Wells. He alone, however, could answer that question. We
made signs to the blacks that we would bury the bodies the following
day, but that we had not time to do so then. They seemed to understand
us, and apparently contentedly accompanied us from the spot. Although
convinced that they did not intend us any harm we were watchful as
before. This was the more necessary as the sun had set, and it would be
difficult to defend ourselves in the dark.

We pushed on, therefore, to the camp as rapidly as we could. We found
all safe, and collected some articles which we thought would please the
natives. We presented them. They went away highly pleased.

We had scarcely sat down to tea round our watch-fire when curious
shrieks and shouts--most unearthly sounds--reached our ears. They came
from the direction where we had last seen the natives. Some of the men
declared that the noise must be produced by evil spirits, and were in a
great fright; but Mark, who was too sensible to entertain so foolish a
notion, asserted that it must be made by