the smoke occasioned by the consuming of
hundreds of acres of trees in the black forest of Australia.

The five on the left of the clearing, which we had kindled to prevent
the bushrangers from approaching us and thinning our numbers at leisure,
had already assumed a fearful aspect, and was running along the ground
rapidly. I hardly dared to stop my work and watch the scene, so fearful
was it. I had serious doubts as to the practicability of the plan which
Fred proposed, yet I gave no evidence of my want of faith, and
encouraged the men with example and words, and when a number of the
trees began swaying to and fro, as the fire consumed their trunks, I
remonstrated against their seeking shelter until the work was entirely
finished.

During our struggle to secure a place of safety, we had forgotten
entirely the wounded bushrangers, who were stretched out, side by side,
at the farther end of the clearing. Their cries for assistance, however,
soon called our attention to the fact that we had made no provision for
their safety, and while the policemen were hurriedly placing a roof upon
our den, Murden and the rest of us held a brief consultation as to what
we should do with the poor wretches.

"Speak quick," exclaimed Fred, as a burning tree fell with a tremendous
crash into the clearing, sending the sparks high into the air, and
causing the atmosphere to seem like the breath of a furnace.

"Speak quick," he continued. "We can endure the heat but a few minutes
longer, and our lives are endangered by the falling of trees. Shall we
save the bushrangers and perish ourselves, or shall we abandon them to
their fate?"

"I am as humane as any man alive," said Murden, "but I can't think that
I am called upon to expose my command to death for the sake of saving
our most deadly enemy. Were there innocent and unoffending women here, I
should know my duty and behave as become a man, but now I must remember
that I am a commander."

"I expected that you would prefer your men's safety to that of robbers,"
Fred said; "but as you are an interested party, we will hear what Smith
has to say."

"My life is as dear to me as the rest; but while I cannot see how we are
to save the bushrangers, I would gladly give all my wealth for the
privilege of so doing," was the honest answer.

"Spoken like a man," replied Fred, rubbing his side, which, owing to his
neglect to turn at the right moment, was somewhat scorched.

Faint moans, uttered b