. "I insulted the gentleman, and to me alone
does he look for redress. God knows I do not desire the man's blood, and
still hope that I shall not be forced to spill it."

"At least promise that I may accompany you to the field?" Smith said.

His request was readily complied with; but all day long Smith's face
seemed as though he had lost his only friends.

The day wore away slowly. We dined with Murden, and chatted gayly about
old times, and congratulated him on an addition which had been made to
his pay, owing to the capture of bushrangers which had been effected by
his command. We hardly touched our lips to the wine which he freely
circulated; and at an early hour took our leave, much to his surprise,
and without his suspecting the business which was to occupy our
attention in the morning.

We went to bed early, leaving Smith to wake us at a suitable hour in the
morning, which he promised to do, as he declared he felt too nervous to
sleep. Sure enough, daylight was just stealing along the eastern horizon
when we were called and found a steaming pot of hot coffee upon the
table, which the careful stockman had prepared for us previous to our
leaving for the field.

We drank our coffee in solemn silence, and then started for the
rendezvous, Smith carrying the rifles and ammunition, and uttering
comments at every step at the folly of our proceedings. Just as we
locked the door, the old cracked bell upon the church, near the villa
of our friend, struck the hour of four. Finding that we had plenty of
time, we walked along quite leisurely, meeting only a few people, and
those longshoremen, who were hurrying to their work on the quays, and
fearful of being late.

No one paid any attention to us, for the carrying of arms in Melbourne
was common in those days; and so without remark we gained the crossing,
and then continuing on for a short distance, entered an open space, far
enough from the road to escape observation, and there awaited our
adversaries.

We did not have to wait long. A carriage containing three persons
stopped within gunshot of where we stood, and presently we saw Merriam
and his friend, and a short, fat gentleman in an undress uniform,
carrying a small box under his arm, advance towards us.

Lieutenants Wattles and Merriam were smoking, and appeared perfectly
cool and unconcerned regarding the result. We heard the old gentleman,
whom we presumed to be the surgeon, remonstrating at something that did