bands swarming over these vast plains, and attacking
every party weaker than themselves."

Murden walked towards the hut as though he declined to converse any
further on the subject; but just then his eyes fell on Bimbo, who was
seated under the shed, within sight of the sentry, and the idea occurred
to make search on the premises for the goods which we had overheard him
talk about.

"Ho, Bimbo," he said, "show us where the stolen property is kept, and
perhaps I may interfere to save your life."

"So help me, God, lieutenant, I don't know what you mean. I never stole
a single thing in my life."

"Then how came you to be sent to Australia for ten years?" asked the
officer, with a sneer.

"Because I was unjustly suspected, as I am now. A man swore that I broke
into a store when he knew I was nowhere near the building."

"It won't do, Bimbo," replied the officer, sending the fellow back to
his place. "Remember, I have offered you a fair chance to act as a
government witness, but you decline."

I thought the follow had half a mind to confess, but he apparently
considered the offer, and resolved to brave it out.

"Bring me a couple of hatchets," Murden said to his men; and when they
were brought he led the way to the hut, and began splitting the boards
of the floor and removing them; but no signs of a cellar were
discovered, and I began to think that the conversation must have
reference to some other stock-house, when one of the men uttered an
exclamation of surprise, and tearing up a board that was pinned against
the wall, we saw a large hole, which, instead of being directly under
the floor, extended beyond the sides of the hut, and formed a sort of
magazine that could only be discovered by removing, as we had done, all
the planks and timbers.

"Jump down, one of you," said Murden, addressing his men.

An exclamation of surprise was uttered by the man that descended.

"Here's a large room," he shouted, "and nearly full of different
articles."

"Go and slip a pair of irons on Bimbo," Murden said, turning to Maurice,
"and chain him to the cart with the rest of the thieves."

A moment after we could hear the prayers of the fellow as he was led to
the cart, and his entreaties to speak with the lieutenant just for a
moment.

"He is too late," was all the remark that the officer vouchsafed upon
being informed of Bimbo's desire.

We entered the secret cellar, and then had the articles which were found
there pa