“We must ferret out the parties,” he said, in reply to his superior, “and make an example, and that will strike terror to the hearts of those disposed to accept bribes, hereafter.”

“We will talk of this another time,” replied the captain; “I feel now so rejoiced to think that we have secured a number of bushrangers, that I can hardly talk on any other subject.  It was only last night Latrobe sent for me, and wanted to know why I had done nothing towards rendering a passage to the mines safe?  The old fool!  Why don’t he send a company of his idle soldiers to scour the country, if he thinks it is so very easy to find those devils incarnate—­the bushrangers?”

“Perhaps he keeps them in Melbourne because he has fears of his own safety,” replied the lieutenant, laughing.

“Perhaps so; but I’d rather trust to my police force than all the soldiers in Australia.  I suppose your two American friends will share in the reward which has been offered?”

“I hope so, for right well do they deserve it,” replied Murden, heartily.

The multitude moved to and fro, and struggled to get glimpses of the bushrangers in the cart, and a number of times the police were obliged to strike those who pressed too near with the flat of their sabres, as a slight rebuke for their curiosity; but with all the struggling I heard no angry words pass, and for so large a crowd, it was the best natured one I ever saw.

We drew up before a substantial-looking building, with an open square in front, where a company of soldiers were parading.

A large gate was opened for our admission, and as soon as our party had entered, it was shut and bolted, and the crowd excluded, although many crawled upon the walls and sat there patiently, until the bushrangers were placed under lock and key, in a strong dungeon, where hardly a ray of light penetrated.  A guard was stationed before the door with orders to allow no one to converse with those inside, and then, for the first time for many days, I and my friend found ourselves at liberty.

“Come,” whispered Smith, “place your arms in the cart and we will go home.  There is nothing further for us to do.”

“Hullo,” we heard Murden shout, “where are you going to?”

We waited for a moment, until he, in company with the captain, came within speaking distance, and then we replied,—­

“We are going where we can get shelter and something to eat.”

“Take them to the station, Murden, and let them stop there for the night, and see that they have something to eat.  To-morrow we will see what we can do for them.”

“We are able to take care of ourselves, sir,” replied Fred, haughtily, “and do not need the charities of a station house.  When we do we will let you know.”

I saw the face of the captain turn a deep purple, as we continued our walk, and I was not surprised to hear him thunder out,—­

“Stop, sir; I wish to speak further with you.”