Brown; but that gentleman thought that it was best to wait until
Mr. Wright made his appearance, and get him to check the abuses.

I thought so myself for a few minutes, but when I found that one
individual in the crowd was disposed to add cruelty to his insults, I
could no longer remain silent.

Mike had told the men the method which he took to get the bushrangers to
cross the creek, and now one fellow, whom I noticed was foremost in the
disgraceful proceedings, was testing the most tender portion of their
bodies by the aid of a sharp-pointed knife; and although the robbers
uttered no complaints or groans, I saw that they were suffering, and
that it was time to interfere.

"These men are prisoners," I said, urging my way through the crowd until
I stood before the robbers and their tormentors. "Let them receive good
treatment, for we may desire it ourselves some day."

The laborer whom I addressed paid not the slightest attention to my
words, but continued to prick the prisoners with his knife as if he
enjoyed it. Old Bill had uttered a few savage oaths in remonstrance, but
they were unheeded.

"Excuse me for interfering in your sport, my man," I continued, laying
one hand on his shoulder, "but you will gratify me if you desist."

"What is it to you?" he demanded, rudely; and I noticed that there was
an uncommon stillness in the room, and many anxious glances were cast
towards me, which convinced me that I was dealing with the bully of the
farm, and a man whom they all feared, and I fancied disliked.

"Excuse me for interrupting you, but I think that I have a right to. I
assisted to capture the men, and therefore have a voice in relation to
their disposal."

I was perfectly cool and collected while speaking, for I did not intend
that the fellow should get the advantage of me by displaying passion.

"Your voice is of no account here in this house, so you will just take
yourself off, and go to the devil, if you wish."

"I have no desire to see your relations, so I shall do no such thing. I
have a right to be in the house, and I have authority to ask you to
desist from ill treating these men. If you do not, I shall--"

"What?" the bully asked, thrusting his face close to mine, and leering
most insultingly.

"Make you," I answered, decidedly.

"You will?" he demanded, with a malignant look.

"I shall do my best," I replied.

The bully did not utter a word in reply, but he put the point of his
knife to a b