veral gentlemen
who surrounded him were aware of it, and were all ready to pay court to
the rising star, as soon as he set foot ashore at Melbourne.

Finding that no one replied, the governor slowly chafed his hands, and
said--

"We owe you another debt of gratitude, I believe, for the gallantry
which prompted you to risk your lives, when you joined forces with our
police. You intimated that you had some request to make of me, as a
reward for your conduct. Pray, let me hear what your petition is, and if
it be reasonable, I will grant it."

For the first time did the governor seem to act the part of a ruler. He
threw off, as with a violent effort, all of his shuffling and weakness,
and stood before us a man. Perhaps the little sympathy which he saw
expressed upon the faces of his suite was the cause of his changing.

"If we have been instrumental in freeing your roads of robbers," I said,
calmly and distinctly, "it is not because we thirsted for the blood of
the unfortunate men, but simply from a desire to pass to and from the
mines without molestation. We do not, of course, know in what light the
captain of police has reported our conduct, but there are others more
deserving than ourselves, and to them should be awarded all the credit,
if, indeed, there is any credit in resisting when attacked."

"I think that mention was made concerning two convicts who had displayed
considerable bravery, but it had nearly escaped my mind. Do your remarks
refer to them?" inquired the governor.

"They do, sir," I said, "and in their behalf do we appear before you
to-day, knowing that your excellency will kindly consider all we say,
and grant our petition."

"Go on, sir," said the governor, with a wave of his hand that was full
of grace and dignity.

"The two convicts who were brought to the notice of your excellency
fought with us side by side, and in one engagement, a band of desperate
bushrangers were destroyed before the police made their appearance.
Black Darnley, the leader of the gang, was killed, and knowing that a
large reward was offered for his arrest or death, we thought your
excellency would exercise your usual clemency and grant the men a free
pardon for their past offences."

"You know not what you ask for," said the governor, hastily, and I
thought impatiently; and then in a milder tone he continued: "I am so
hampered by the home government that I rarely interfere in such matters,
and would much rather some oth