rits remained in his cup, and then called for
more.

"That's Tom Benchley," whispered the inspector, "and in spite of his big
words and fierce looks, an arrant coward at heart. He frightens people
by bouncing, although a boy of twenty could make him eat his words. You
see that he sits alone. Most, of those in the room consider him a
disgrace to what they call a profession; but the fellow always has
money, and so Dan gives him the right of _entree_ to the select scenes."

Steel Spring, who had been to the farther end of the room, whispering
with a young man, now returned, and introduced him to us as Ben Jackson.
He was not more than twenty-four years of age; and I saw in a moment
that he had never passed any portion of his time at the hulks, and that
if he had ever been engaged in robberies it was only recently, and that
he was not yet quite hardened to crime.

"Gents," said Steel Spring, waving his hand with an attempt to do the
genteel, "allow me to introduce Mr. Jackson, a covey vot is desirous of
jining our select society, provided, as the land sharks say, you is
villing."

Jackson appeared delighted with the introduction; although I thought
that I could detect a slight look of disgust upon his face when we
extended our soiled hands and shook his white palm.

"Our friend tells the truth--I want to join a gang where I can make
money, and then leave the country without danger. I don't want to stop
in Australia all my days by a d----d sight."

Even the profanity was forced, and did not come from his heart. He
considered it necessary to use an oath to make himself appear an adept
in crime--but I saw through the disguise, and pitied him.

"It ain't every man that applies for a chance can jine with us," the
inspector answered, assuming a deep and bass tone of voice, and language
suited to his supposed condition. "We want men--half a dozen good, firm
men, and then we can roll the money in without much trouble. Squat
yourself, and then we can think of this 'ere subject, and find out what
you can do to help us when we reach the bush."

"I like to meet men, and hope to prove myself one before we part,"
speaking in a manner that showed he was not destitute of education.
"I've never been in the bush, but I hope under good guidance I shall
soon be, and then if I show a white feather I'll agree to go without my
share of the prize money."

"That's fair talk," I muttered, "and I think that the kid will make a
goat. Let's