men was mentioned in connection with the affair. It was near dark,
when we replaced our saddles upon our animals, and started across the
prairie, but before we were half way to the woods, the last glimmer of
twilight had faded out, and we were obliged to continue our journey by
guess work, for no beaten trail leads across the plain.

"When we were within a mile or two of the secret path, I saw an object
that looked to me like a kangaroo, on the prairie, so swiftly did it
run. Not feeling perfectly convinced that such was the case, I called my
men's attention to it, and one, who has sharper eyes than the rest of
us, declared that what I took to be an animal, was a good-sized man, who
appeared to be making the best of his way across the plain.

"I started in pursuit, and called once or twice to him to stop, but not
until I had nearly rode him down, did he come to a stand still, and to
my surprise, I found that I had come very near ending the days of the
old stockman.

"A few questions and a few answers were all that I required to
understand the case. I instantly mounted the old fellow behind one of my
men, and at a gallop I dashed towards the woods, which I had no sooner
gained, than I sent three of my men back to the hut with the horses, and
ordered them not to come near us until after sunrise in the morning.

"Here commenced the most difficult part of our undertaking, as we deemed
it best to take the robbers by surprise, and exterminate the gang, if
possible. The old stockman undertook to pilot us through the woods, and
the manner in which we crept to within a few feet of you without making
any noise, shows that he performed his part with great success.

"The large number of bushrangers assembled, astonished me. I found that
my force contained only one half as many as they did, yet I had no idea
of not attacking. Desperate as I knew the robbers were, I thought they
would yield upon being taken by surprise. My expectations were not
disappointed; they did fly, and left one half of their force upon the
ground."

"We thank you, heartily, for the trouble and danger which you
experienced in saving our lives, for I have serious doubts whether
to-morrow would have seen us alive," Fred said, shaking hands with
Murden, at the conclusion of the latter's account.

"Say no more, my dear boy, for I know that you would have come to my
assistance as soon as I did to yours. But about this treasure; I see
that you have been diggin