nd so elated did he
appear, that he actually borrowed a plug of tobacco from Maurice, and
forgot to return it until asked to do so.

"A portion of the men may continue digging a grave, while the rest ran
retreat to our late den and get our carbines and arms all ready. There
is no knowing how soon we may want them."

The orders of Murden were obeyed promptly; and in spite of the rain
which still poured down in torrents, the guns were put in complete
order, and loaded ready for use. By the time the latter job was
completed the grave was announced to be finished, and with not a prayer
or a word of regret did we consign to the earth the remains of the dead
bushrangers. They were all thrown in together, without much regard to
order or decency, for the policemen were too accustomed to such a state
of things to become sentimental; and with a last look at the
weather-beaten face of the old sailor, I turned away and walked towards
the opposite end of the clearing.

After concluding the burial of the men there was nothing for us to do
but to sit down, light our pipes, and see the rain continue with
unnatural fury. The progress of the flames was completely checked, and
we hoped that if the storm continued an hour longer we should be enabled
to pick our way over the burned district, find something to eat, and
then fall upon Nosey before he thought it time to look after us.

That he supposed we were dead there was but little cause to doubt, for
he would not anticipate the earthing process, and would feel some
astonishment to find that we had passed through the ordeal in safety. At
any rate, after we had concluded to proceed against him, we felt anxious
to begin the good work, and have it off our minds.

The morning's sun, however, soon dispersed the clouds and dried up the
rain, and when we examined the burned district we were rejoiced to find
that we could pass over the ground if our feet were protected with
shoes, a precaution which none will omit if an Australian forest is to
be visited. In these important articles of clothing we were well
supplied, and without delay we started. Murden gave the word to move
forward, but first impressed upon the minds of the men the necessity of
caution in regard to the manner in which their guns were carried, for,
as he quietly observed, "we have enemies to kill, and can't afford to
despatch each other. A spark of fire is sufficient to ignite our powder,
and then where should we be?"

We f