d
drinking strong coffee. I had watched Bimbo from the time the cart had
reached the hut to the period when the prisoners were to be allowed to
eat their morning meal; and I had noticed the nervous manner in which
the fellow had acted in spite of his assumed indifference.

Twice had he sauntered towards the cart in which the bushrangers were
still confined, and each time had the sentry ordered him back, as no
communication was allowed with the prisoners; but I saw the grim face of
Jim Gulpin raised as he heard the voice of Bimbo, and an almost
imperceptible sign passed between them.

More than ever convinced that there was an understanding with the
parties, I watched for other tokens, but in vain; and it was not until
one of the policemen ordered the stockman to carry the bushrangers' food
to them that I determined to be present and keep an eye upon his
actions.

The handcuffs were removed from the prisoners' wrists to enable them to
eat, but the irons were not taken from their feet, for Murden had no
idea of trusting them with their liberty even for a moment.

"Here's your grub," shouted Bimbo, who was allowed to pass the sentry
this time, as he had a wooden pail in his hand, none too clean, in which
the food of the prisoners was placed. "Here it is," he continued, as he
set it down in their midst, "and a darn'd sight too good for you it is
too, and mighty thankful you had oughter be that you fell into a
gentleman's hands, and one that knows how to treat you. If I had the
right I'd starve you all, blast your picters."

The ruffians replied with oaths and jeers, but they were too energetic
to be sincere, and I suspected they were intended expressly for my ear,
as I stood not far from them listening to every word that was uttered.

Had the bushrangers not said so much, I should have suspected less, and
while I pretended to be admiring the parrot, I still watched the doings
in the cart.

I saw the stockman glance around to see if his actions were observed,
and that stealthy look was like a cat's watching for its prey--I saw
that the sentry was examining the lock of his carbine, and paying no
attention to Bimbo's movements, while the rest of the men were engaged
in smoking and lounging near--and then for a moment the heads of Jim
Gulpin and the stockman were close together, as though whispering
confidentially. It was only for an instant, however. With renewed oaths
and abuse Bimbo hurried the robbers in their mea