of the murders which the bushrangers sometimes
commit, when they have a thirst for blood, you would think I was
romancing," answered the officer.

We both protested against such an idea, and Lieutenant Murden--that was
his name, and I am glad to see that, since I left Melbourne, he has been
promoted to a captaincy--knocked the ashes from his pipe, carefully
reloaded it, told the sentinel at the door to keep his eyes open, and
not let a gang of robbers approach the hut unperceived, wet his lips
with the contents of a flask, which he carried about his person, lighted
his pipe with a match, and then began.

* * * * *

LIEUTENANT MURDEN'S STORY.

"Not long since, the whole police force of the country was thrown into a
state of great excitement and vigilance, owing to the desperate deeds of
two convicts, who seized a schooner on the coast, compelled the crew, on
the pain of instant death, to navigate her to a distant part of the
island, and by keeping their guns pointed at the heads of the
frightened men, and relieving each other at the task, were enabled to
accomplish their ends.

"The convicts were landed, and to repay the sailors for their kindness
and forbearance, they shot the two men that rowed them ashore; and, from
the time that they set foot on land, until the day of their death, their
course was marked with blood.

"They took the life of every human being that stood in their way. The
most unreasonable request, if there was a moment's hesitation, was
rewarded with a bullet; and it seemed as though demons, not men, were
thirsting for the blood which was shed so profusely.

"The news of the murderers' doings was brought post haste to Melbourne,
and I and my troop were ordered to start immediately for the bush, and
secure them, dead or alive. Extraordinary powers were granted me by the
government. I could take horses or cattle, or even press men into my
service, if I thought desirable, for the purpose of capturing the
bushrangers. Hardly a moment of preparation was allowed me, beyond the
choice of twelve men, whom I knew I could rely upon; and even while I
was conversing with the superintendent, another messenger arrived with
the news of fresh butcheries, more bloody and brutal than the last.

"At eight on the evening of the day that I was ordered to take my
departure, my troop was leaving Melbourne on the road leading towards
Ballarat, in which direction I learned the convicts w