t on the ground. I handed the revolver to the ganger and left them
in his charge while I searched their filthy abode. I was quite rewarded.
Underneath some rags which had served as a pillow to the handcuffed man I
found a knife with a blade about five inches long by some three-quarters
of an inch broad, such as is much in use amongst Italians. It was covered
with blood, some of which had not quite dried up. I also picked up a
dirty woollen comforter which he had evidently worn the night before and
on which were blood-stains of very recent date. I was satisfied; I found
nothing more of any value as evidence. My job was done; all that was left
was to escort my two prisoners to Adelaide.

It was now daylight. As there had been no noise few of the early risers
who came slouching out of their tents knew that any arrest had been made
until we were nearly out of the camp, and they took but little notice. I
thanked the man in charge and the ganger for their assistance, and, after
partaking of some coffee at the little cottage where the man in charge
lived, I started off with my two prisoners tied together, making for an
hotel not far off where I knew I could obtain a vehicle to drive them
down to Adelaide. I arrived in Adelaide all well, and by two o'clock they
were quickly and safely locked up in the police station. They were duly
charged and tried. The girl had recovered from her injuries, and the
culprit escaped with a long term of imprisonment instead of being hanged;
the other received a short sentence. My first attempt to hunt down
criminals had come off satisfactorily.

Shortly after I had joined the police my good friend, Mr. George
Hamilton, retired from his position and Mr. Peterswald was appointed
Commissioner. Mr. Peterswald, having been Mr. Hamilton's right-hand man,
was thoroughly fitted for the appointment. He held it for many years,
during which time the efficiency of the police force of South Australia
was well maintained. As Commissioner I personally received from him
during the time I was in the force every consideration. We had become
personal friends as far as it was consistent with our respective
positions, and, as soon as I received my first appointment as an officer
in the South Australian Military Forces, he was one of the very first to
welcome me to his house.

It was just before Christmas, 1881, that General Downes, the Commandant,
sent for me to see him at his office. I walked across the barrack squ