n attacked
by the bushrangers, and the latter are now endeavoring to escape with
two women prisoners. The fellows probably belong to Tyrell's gang, and
will make towards Mount Tarrengower to join him."

The solution seemed probable, and for a few moments there was a profound
silence. The natives glanced from face to face as though endeavoring to
read the thoughts of the white men, although they did not appear much
distressed at the events which they had related.

"I pity the poor women," remarked Mr. Wright, at length. "Their fate
will be a sad one, and death a welcome release from their sufferings."

"Can't you make an effort for their release?" I asked, but our host
shook his head.

"The night is dark and stormy," he said, "and it's impossible to tell
where the party, is at the present time. To-morrow we may be able to do
something."

"To-morrow will be too late," replied Mr. Brown. "The rogues by that
time will have joined the main body of the gang, and will laugh at our
efforts to dislodge them from their rendezvous on the mountains."

Still our host did not seem impressed with the idea that we could afford
the unfortunate females relief, although I judged that his disposition
to do so was strong.

"Ask Kala if he thinks that he can find the fellow's trail to-night, and
promise him from me a pound of tobacco and a bottle of rum if he
succeeds," Mr. Brown said, addressing Mr. Wright.

The message was conveyed to the natives, and Kala's eyes sparkled at the
idea of gaining the promised luxuries, but Iala did not seem so
enthusiastic, owing to his name not being mentioned in connection with
the presents.

"Tell Iala from me," I exclaimed, "that he, too, shall have a pound of
tobacco and a bottle of rum like his brother if he succeeds."

The look of displeasure disappeared from the dark face of the native as
he heard the offer, and he displayed his sharp, white teeth in token of
approval.

"The men go by the old trail through the forest. They will not trust the
new road leading to the house for fear of meeting our people. The trail
is much longer, but safer. After they get through the woods they will
have to cross a mud creek. The horses will refuse to enter the water,
and considerable time will elapse before they can be got across. If we
can meet them at the creek there is no escape for them."

Such were the expressions of Kala, uttered slow and distinct, as though
he was weighing each word, and knew the