bushranger of
Australia," whispered Mr. Brown, who was anxious to get sight of a man
who had performed some very daring exploits, and some excessive acts of
cruelty, while commanding a gang of ruffians on the road between
Ballarat and Melbourne.

"Hush," I whispered, "or you will betray your hiding-place;" for Mr.
Brown, in his eagerness, moved the bushes in a manner that attracted
attention.

I had heard of Sam, through his many exploits, and was anxious to get
sight of him, so that in case we ever met I should recognize his face.

It is related of him, by the old settlers of Australia, that he once
returned to Melbourne, dressed himself in black with scrupulous
neatness, and then boldly presented himself at the door of the
lieutenant-governor's palace, passed in by means of a ticket which he
had taken from a man whom he met on the highway, danced with the first
ladies of the city, was introduced to the governor's wife, and would
have danced with her had etiquette permitted it. In fact, Tyrell created
considerable of a sensation, and ate his host's ices, and drank his
wine, with a degree of nonchalance that charmed the ladies and disgusted
the gentlemen.

Had Sam conducted himself with a certain degree of circumspection no
suspicions would have been excited by his conduct; but the devil
prompted him to make love to a pretty woman who was present in company
with her husband, the latter an old man, ugly as sin, and jealous as
Othello.

Sam saw the lady admired his vigorous-looking form, and he addressed her
a few remarks of flattery, without waiting for the formalities of an
introduction. Her husband fired up at the sight, and growled forth his
displeasure in no measured terms.

Sam paid no more attention to his looks and hard words than if he had
been a child. The contempt, so quietly conveyed, only enraged the old
gentleman the more, and the matter began to be talked about. First one
and then another inquired who the good-looking gentleman dressed in
black was, but no one could answer the question. The governor was
appealed to, but he was as ignorant as his guests. At length an
aide-de-camp was intrusted with the delicate duty of requesting the
stranger to disclose his address.

The officer touched Tyrell on the shoulder, while he was standing by the
fascinating little Mrs. P----, and desired a word with him in private.
Sam bowed low to the object of his affections, and followed the officer
to an ante-chambe