s horse, and let us have for supper the best that the
station affords."

The heads disappeared from the windows as if by magic, and in a few
seconds' time the heavy outer door was thrown open, and forth issued Mr.
Wright at the head of his employees. I signalized to Mr. Brown and Day
to advance, and then dismounted and met the strong grip of the farmer's
hand with one equally as hearty.

"I ask ten thousand pardons," he said, "for my questions, but I am
obliged to keep a strict guard over my property, or I should be
surprised by the forest rovers, who would amply repay the numerous
checks which they have received at my hands, were they able to do so."

"Make no apologies," I replied, "for I don't blame you for classing me
with suspicious characters; but the fact is, we have passed through a
cordon of flames, and I think our clothing is somewhat damaged, and our
personal appearance not very prepossessing. We should not have troubled
you had not necessity compelled us."

"No trouble, no trouble," he exclaimed, with all the heartiness of an
Englishman who is disposed to be friendly; "I am always glad to see
company, provided, of course, it's the right kind."

By this time Mr. Brown and Day had joined us, and were waiting to
receive the same welcome that had been bestowed upon me. I introduced
them in due form, and gave Mr. Brown his ex-title, which pleased him
excessively.

"I know you," Mr. Wright said, addressing Mr. Brown. "Haven't we met
before?"

"I should say that we had," replied my friend, scanning the farmer's
face keenly.

"You were stationed at one time in Melbourne?" Mr. Wright inquired.

"For a number of years."

"And of course you remember that I landed at that city ten years since,
with one hundred pounds in my pocket?"

"Large numbers of emigrants arrived with more money than that," replied
the ex-inspector.

"But my case was a peculiar one, for the first night that I stopped on
shore my hundred pounds were stolen," continued Mr. Wright.

"Quite a common case," my friend said; "women are fair to look upon
after a long sea voyage."

"D---- it, you have 'hit the nail on its head," cried the Englishman,
hastily. "I lost all my money."

"I knew you would say that, if you told all. Go on."

"I complained to the police, and you investigated the circumstances, and
found my hundred pounds after some trouble," he continued. "Be thankful
that I was young and inexperienced at that period," cried t