un was ready to show his face,
we were in the saddle, and on our way to the banks of the Lodden,
driving the pack horse before us at an easy canter, and enjoying all the
beauties of the morning.

We avoided the road which led to Melbourne, and upon which some forty or
fifty poor devils were working out their mining tax, and by a cut across
the country, in the direction of Mount Tarrengower, were enabled to save
some few miles of travel, as well as to avoid answering questions from
those whom we met on the road. The latter is no slight labor, as every
person on a journey to the mines is desirous of asking the latest news,
and whether the gold is as abundant as ever.

By ten o'clock we found that our animals began to suffer from the heat,
and as our appetites were pretty well sharpened, we called a halt
beneath the shadow of some gum trees, relieved our horses of their
saddles, and wet their mouths with water, and after a hearty lunch,
leaned back and smoked our pipes with delicious contentment, and without
a thought of danger.

We were soon unconscious of every thing around us, and did not awake
until past four o'clock, when we once more resumed our journey, and by
sundown we had gained a small brook within a few miles of Mount
Alexander. Here we proposed to pass the night, and after watering the
animals, and stalling them in a good piece of fresh grass, we began to
make provision for rest. We had no desire to kindle a fire, for the
country in which we were travelling was not entirely safe, and a light
would have only attracted attention, which we were desirous of avoiding.

"For once," said Mr. Brown, as he arranged his saddle for a pillow, "I
feel as though I should rather regret meeting with bushrangers, for I
have every thing to lose, and no honor to gain by a contest. If,
therefore, the gentlemen of the bush will only avoid us, I shall feel
thankful."

"Do you know this part of the country to be frequented by bushrangers?"
I asked, examining my revolver for the first time since we had left
Ballarat.

"I don't vouch for their presence, but here is water, and there is
food," Mr. Brown said, pointing away to our right; "the scamps are
always sure to be located when these two essentials are to be found,
and, as a general thing, they show good taste in the selection of their
retreats, and when idle, feed upon the choicest parts of sheep or lamb."

"Is there a sheep station near?" I asked, not being aware of it be