think not, my boy. Certainly mistakes have been made. But here, you
see, the law was not so cruel, but said to this man, `You have served a
certain amount of time; now go and prove your sorrow for your crime by
making yourself a faithful servant, and in good time you shall go free,
with an opportunity for commencing a new career.'"

"Yes, Sir John; and Leather--his name's Frank Mayne--has been a good
servant. Hasn't he, father?"

"Yes, he has worked very well."

"And so he did, father, while you were away, till that man drove him to
desperation."

"I cannot argue about all this, Dominic," said Sir John. "I have to
judge this matter, and I am afraid, my boy, that you have been imposed
upon, for matters look very black against this man."

Nic shook his head.

"Well, my boy, they do to me. But look here, Dominic. Now, more than
ever, do we all need to join hand in hand--boys as well as men--for our
mutual protection. Even during the past few weeks has a desperate gang
of scoundrels broken away and taken to the bush, where our warder-guard
and the soldiery have been unable to hunt them down. These men must be
taken, and your friend too. Now, listen to me, boy. For your sake, as
the son of my best friend, I promise you this: if you will enable us to
capture this man, he shall have a fair examination before me, and I will
carefully balance all evidence, and the good in him against the evil.
You will trust me, Dominic?"

"Yes, Sir John; but I can't betray the man who has made me believe in
him, and whom I look upon as a friend."

"Then--" cried the doctor.

"Stop!" said Sir John firmly. "This case is adjourned for a week,
Dominic. Take time to think, my boy. This man must be taken--he shall
be taken. It will be better if you show us where he is, than for him to
be seized and driven to desperation. Blood may be shed."

"Here, I can show you where he is, sir!" cried Brookes.

"You know?" cried the doctor.

"Ay, sir. I ain't been keeping an eye on young master here for nothing
ever since you've been away. I'll show you where he's to be found, and
where he takes the sheep he steals."

"Stop," said Sir John. "We will wait a week to give Dominic time to
think. And now, doctor, I think I'll take my airing out on your breezy
hills. I'm much stronger to-day."

Sir John rose, and the doctor made an imperative gesture to the men to
leave the room before offering Sir John his arm and leading him out;