Tarrengower. Even then
we did not consider that we were in safety, for a change of wind would
bring the fire upon us a second time, and then we should be hummed in
between the sides of the mountain and the woods--no very enviable
situation. We felt thankful, however, for our escape so far, and prayed
as well as we were able that the wind would hold in its present position
until we were in safety.

For a few minutes we sat upon our horses and watched the flames at our
feet,--for we were on elevated ground, and could overlook a large
portion of the fire--and a grand sight it was to see tree after tree
fall with a tremendous crash, sending up sparks and jets of flame, and
thick clouds of black smoke which rose high in the air, and then sailed
in majestic grandeur in the direction of Ballarat. We were too busy with
our thoughts to converse for some time after our escape, but at length
Mr. Brown suggested to Day that his sheep would suffer during his
absence, even if they were not all destroyed by the fire.

"No fear of that'," replied the shepherd, with a grin which showed how
much interest he had in his employer's property, forced, as he was, to
take care of it by the strong arm of law. "Sheep ain't such devilish
fools as to run into fires with their eyes wide open. When I go back I
shall find my flock all right, and if I don't 'tain't much matter. My
comrades, however, will wonder more about my absence than the animals,
and I s'pose they will think I'm a goner."

"How near are we to the station, Day?" I asked.

"Let me see," replied the shepherd, after a moment's reflection. "We
can't be move than five miles from the Loddon, and if we follow the left
bank of the river long enough we shall reach Wright's station, where we
can get something to eat, and perhaps be sure of a welcome."

"Humph," grunted Mr. Brown, "your directions are not very plain, and you
seem to be in doubt whether we will fare well or ill after we gain the
farm. Why should we not be received with kindness?"

"Well, to tell you truth," replied the shepherd, with commendable
frankness, "I don't think that the looks of you two coveys are very
prepossessing, and I have a fear that you will be mistaken for
bushrangers, and get a dose of lead instead of a dinner. I 'spose that
if I was to go ahead and speak for ye 'twould be all right."

We could not help laughing at the impudence of the fellow, and yet he
was perfectly serious in his belief.

"Let us