anger; and so they were; but we felt
as though we had rather cut our way through the villains, or have given
up our prisoner, than to have caused so much blood to flow, and so many
deaths in an affair that interested ourselves alone.

But the battle was ended, and the wounded required attention. We left
our prisoner where he had fallen, when knocked down by a bottle, and as
he did not move, we supposed that he had fainted from the effect of fear
or pain, and that he would soon come to his senses.

We were picking our way across the floor, endeavoring to avoid the pools
of blood, when the rough hands of policemen were laid on our shoulders.

"Put out your digets, and on with the darbies," they said, meaning that
we should suffer ourselves to be handcuffed, evidently thinking that we
were a portion of the gang with whom they had been fighting.

"Don't hinder us, Mike," I replied, addressing the officer, whom I had
seen a number of times, and who know both Fred and myself.

"By the powers, it's hinder ye'll get wid a rope round yer neck. Out wid
yer digets, and don't keep us waiting."

I saw that the man was in earnest, and I was surprised--but suddenly I
thought of my disguise, and the mystery was explained at once.

"Don't you know your friends when you see them, Mike?" I asked, and
while speaking I tore off my wig, revealing my natural hair.

"O, the devil! I axes yer pardon; but who would have thought of seeing
you here? It's funny ye are going from place to place, where the hard
knocks are to be had, and no pay for it."

We did not explain to the Celtic gentleman the interest we had in being
present, but passed on to where the bodies of the wounded bushrangers
and robbers were lying. Mr. Brown had already sent for the surgeon of
the police force, and a squad of men was removing the wounded soldiers
who could go on horseback to their quarters, while litters had been
ordered to carry off the remainder. No one appeared to care whether the
injured robbers were attended to or neglected.

The poor fellows were suffering the most excruciating pain; but they
bore their pangs without a murmur, although two or three of them did ask
for water, and when it was brought drank eagerly, and appeared thankful
for the favor, slight as it was.

Fred and myself made an attempt to examine their wounds; but before we
could strip off one of their shirts, we heard a crashing and roaring
beneath our feet, and up through the floor s