ll be emptied, and when we seek to return
their fire, we shan't find an enemy to contend against. They will
scatter in various directions if their force is small; and if large,
why; a bushranger is a dangerous foe, and fights with a halter around
his neck. Let us oppose craft to craft, and surprise the scamps, as they
have surprised us."

"But how?" asked Murden.

"You have never lived in a country where waging war against Indians is
regarded as mere pastime, or you would have comprehended my meaning.
Let us dismount from our horses where we are, and let my friend and
myself steal forward, and mingle with the bushrangers; or if that is
impracticable, find out their numbers, and whether they have made any
impression on the hut--where the main body is stationed, and whether
they suspect the presence of your force. An hour will be ample time to
go and return. What say you to the proposition?"

"I like it," answered the lieutenant, after a moment's musing; "but I
object to one thing."

"Name it"

"The idea of your going forward and exposing your lives in a service
that does not concern you. You remain with my men, and I alone will
venture into the midst of these villains."

"And let the Australian government lose a valued officer? No, sir, stay
with your men, and let Fred and myself do the scouting duty," I said.

"But you're not going without me," Smith exclaimed, abruptly; "I made a
bargain with you, gentlemen, to take you to the mines, and I'm not going
to lose sight of you for a moment."

"You shall go with us, Smith," we answered; and I could feel the warm
pressure of the honest fellow's hand at being allowed the privilege of
still adhering to our fortunes, although the duty which we were about to
enter upon was one fraught with no common danger.

"I don't see but that I shall be obliged to give my consent, after all,"
Murden said; "if you are rash enough to thrust your heads into the
lion's mouth, why, take my best wishes for your success, and start at
once. Ah, there speaks one of my carbines again. The garrison is on the
alert."

As we started on our expedition, the hound, which had been lying near
without a sign of impatience, bounded to his feet and led the way. We
debated for a moment as to the expediency of allowing him to accompany
us; but while discussing the question, he returned, and, as though
guessing that he was the subject of our talk, looked into our faces and
uttered a low whine.

"Let h