my life, and refused to leave me, even when
their own was in danger, and you shall see the manner in which they will
treat you and your countrymen. I'll never complain again that Americans
are troublesome at the mines, and if I had the power, not one of them
should be called upon for the payment of a tax.

Mr. Brown never forgot us, and even now, I am in the habit of receiving
letters from him from Australia, and in each one there is an allusion to
the ravine scenes. But I am again getting before my story.

"We have but little time to spare," said Fred; "we must reach Ballarat
before sundown, and send out a party to look after the wants of the
wounded bushrangers; now, if you think that you can ride to the mines,
we will start immediately. Even if the pain of moving is great, let me
advise you to endure it for much depends upon your firmness."

The inspector understood the meaning of Fred's words too well to
hesitate about which course he should pursue. He knew that his wounds
were dangerous, and that they would mortify in a short time, unless
dressed and cleansed; for already a crowd of flies were hovering in the
air about his head, and ready to plague his life out, the instant we
withdrew a short distance.

"I think that I can ride to Ballarat," the inspector said, after feeling
of his leg, and finding that the bleeding had nearly ceased; "at any
rate, I cannot remain here through half of the night. Lift me on to one
of the horses, and let me see how I can navigate."

We raised him gently in our arms, and placed him in my saddle, and to
our great satisfaction, we found that after the first paroxysm of pain
was over, he could get along very well. We led the animal upon which he
was mounted slowly along the ravine, until we reached our prisoners, who
were lying in the same position as when we left them.

Upon the inspector's thinking that it would be better to take the two
uninjured men with us, we cut a portion of their bonds, but still
allowed their arms to be confined, and after a hasty examination of the
wounds of the two bushrangers, we promised them speedy assistance, and
then started on our return to Ballarat.

Our prisoners marched in advance of us, in gloomy silence, for a short
distance, but I could observe that the leader, or the man who was called
"Bill," cast anxious glances at the inspector, as though desirous of
speaking, yet fearing that his remarks would not be received with much
cordiality. At l