ing pieces--nothing more," Fred replied.

"Then take these sovereigns;" and I slipped a dozen into his hand.

"I must again remind you, gentlemen," the captain remarked.

"We are all ready to leave, and have only one more favor to ask. Let us
have a moment's conversation with the orderly sergeant, who will have
the immediate care of the prisoners."

"There he stands," the captain replied, pointing to a six-footer, who
was ironing the men, and who was waiting to handcuff Fred.

The captain smiled to see the eagerness with which I rushed towards the
man, and then very wisely turned his back upon us. He suspected what I
intended to do.

"You have the immediate charge of the prisoners?" I asked.

"Yes, sir," he replied, with some show of respect, for we wore the
overcoats of officers.

"Will you see that my friend there has every comfort that it is possible
to obtain on the route?" I asked.

"They must all share alike, sir," he answered.

"But will you promise not to iron him, and accept his word of honor that
he will not attempt to run away?" I asked.

"Couldn't think of such a thing, sir. I'm responsible for every man."

"But he is a gentleman, and will keep his word, let what will happen," I
pleaded.

Another reproval was springing from his lips, when suddenly his face
underwent a remarkable change, and a smile took the place of a frown.

"Fifty more when I meet you in Melbourne, if you strictly comply with my
requests," I whispered.

The soldier put his hand into his pocket with wonderful dexterity, and I
heard gold chink as he withdrew it.

"All right, sir--rely upon me. The gentleman shall have my bed and grub,
and ride beside me in the ambulance. I must keep an eye on him, you
know, 'cos I'm 'sponsible for his safe keeping."

"Watch him as close as you please," I replied, "although I assure you
that he would not escape after he has once passed his word for all the
gold in the mines of Australia."

"Them's the kind of coveys I likes," responded the soldier. "He shan't
feel the touch of the irons, and shall fare like a grenadier. But you
won't forget the other fifty."

I assured the man that the money should be forthcoming; and just then
the shrill notes of a trumpet were heard outside, followed by the roll
of a drum.

"You must leave instantly," cried Captain Fitz, hurriedly. "The
prisoners are about to be led out."

We rushed towards Fred, gave him a hearty shake of our hands, whispered
a f