eously. We sprang
over the fence and followed the trail through the grain, each step
leading us away from the city and assistance, but I thought not of that.
My whole desire was to grapple with the villains, and either capture
them or end their career. I encouraged my companion to keep up with me
in the pursuit; but I was either fleeter of foot, or else he sadly
lagged behind, for after ten minutes running I was left alone.

"I knew that it would be useless to return to the city and ask for
assistance, and in fact, to tell the truth, I didn't want to be laughed
at, as I knew that I should be after telling my story. So on I went,
running with all my might after two men, either of whom was a match for
me in a fair hand to hand fight.

"At length I caught sight of the murderers, and I redoubled my speed;
and as I ran I placed fresh caps upon my pistols, and prayed that they
would not disappoint me in my extremity. The villains saw me close at
their heels, but they did not stop, supposing, of course, that I was
backed by my men. Once or twice I saw Darnley look over his shoulder as
though calculating the distance between us, so that I was not much
surprised when he stopped suddenly, and aimed his undischarged pistol at
my head.

"That act stopped me in double quick time, for I had heard accounts of
Darnley's proficiency with the pistol, and I thought I would exchange
shots with him instead of coming to close quarters.

"I think that I owe my life to the speed with which Darnley had been
running, and I am certain he escaped from the same cause, for when I
raised my pistol I could hardly hold it in a straight line. We fired
both at the same time. I felt something strike my side that appeared to
burn like a coal of fire, and when I put my hand to the spot it was soon
covered with blood.

"I staggered and fell; but even as I did so, I looked towards the
bushranger to see if my shot had taken effect, I heard him exclaim,--

"'Hang him, he's hit me on the shoulder. I'll murder him for it!'

"'And get kotched by the beaks vile doing so!' rejoined Steel Spring,
who appeared more anxious for flight than for blood.

"I remember seeing the ruffian start towards me, and then all was a
blank until I awoke in the hospital at Sydney, where, by the way, I was
obliged to stay for two weeks before I could get the physician's consent
to let me return to Ballarat, and nearly three more passed before I was
a well man."

"Did Darnley