ted the manner in which Rover had started us by his deep bays, on
the night of our first encampment by the hut of the old convict.

"And Black Darnley--when you met him, did the dog appear to recognize
him as the author of the murder?" asked the inspector, who appeared
deeply interested in our narrative.

I related the scene in the forest, when the bold outlaw yielded up his
life to satisfy the vengeance of an enraged father; and when I had
concluded, the little, dark man's eyes gleamed as though he had taken
part in the battle.

"How I should liked to have been with you!" he exclaimed; "I can imagine
your feelings, as you crept through the forest, and awoke the
bushrangers with the crack of your rifles. No wonder the
governor-general wished to secure your services in the police force."

"How did you learn that?" I asked, astonished at his knowledge.

"A friend at Melbourne wrote to me to that effect, and also sent me
newspapers containing your exploits. The last brush that you had with
Murden was more exciting than any other that you ever engaged in."

"How did you know that we had been so engaged?" asked Fred.

"By rumor. A team reached this place this evening, and the driver
reports that he met Murden fifty miles from Melbourne, with eight or ten
bushrangers as prisoners. From one of the police he gained his
information that two Americans were participants in the fight. Of course
I arrived at the conclusion that both of you were present. Come, tell me
all about it."

"On condition that you relate one or two of your life adventures," Fred
said.

"Agreed."

Fred commenced from the time when we began our search for gold,
(although he wisely omitted all mention of finding any,) and recounted
the surprise, and our capture--the rescue by Murden--the fight--the
attempt of the bushrangers to burn us by firing the woods--an escape,
and promise to Steel Spring, (at the mention of whose name Mr. Brown
smiled, as though acquainted with the reputation of the treacherous
wretch,) if he would guide us to the retreat of Nosey--the fulfilment of
his promise, and the death of the bushranger chief, and the capture of
his gang.

"A splendid, stirring time you had of it," said Mr. Brown, rubbing his
sinewy hands as though he liked to work, and was impatient to think that
he had not been there.

"But you," Fred said, "must have seen many rough times during your long
service at the mines."

"My fights have been more with s