“P.S.—­Since writing the above, we learn that the young men are Americans, and are the same who appeared in the procession yesterday afternoon.  They have been engaged by the police force for the last three weeks in hunting bushrangers.  We shall give the public the most reliable information to be obtained concerning them, and shall issue an extra containing a history of their lives and adventures, illustrated with correct likenesses.”

“I wonder how the editor expects to get a history of our lives, and a correct likeness?” laughed Fred, laying down the Argus and taking up the Herald.

The latter paper was more disposed to glorify the governor and his government than ourselves, and as Mr. Latrobe was not in great favor with the citizens of Melbourne and the miners at the time, an attempt was made to create some capital for him.  The article read as follows:—­

“Our readers will recollect that the lieutenant-governor promised the miners that the roads between the city and Ballarat should be free of robbers in less than six months.  Hardly three months have passed, and we find that his excellency has made good his assertion.  He has taken the most active measures to bring to speedy justice the numerous gangs of bushrangers who have preyed upon travellers and escorts, going to and returning from the mines.  Already have two of the most formidable robbers in the country fallen, and with them the destruction of their followers.  Black Darnley and Jim Gulpin are both dead.  They have paid the penalty of their crimes, and the community will thank the government for the active measures which were taken to bring about such a result.  Our police department is now in a better state of efficiency than ever known before; and it is the determination, we understand, of the governor to increase its force until he has redeemed his pledge, and made Australia a law-loving and law-abiding country.

“We understand that the two men whose dress and appearance occasioned so many remarks while the procession was moving through our streets yesterday afternoon, are two recruits who are to be added to the police force with the rank of sergeants.  They were both born in the United States, but their parents are English, and still claim Great Britain as their homes.  We understand that they distinguished themselves gallantly in the conflict which ensued between the bushrangers and the police, and for that reason they are to be rewarded by being taken into our municipal force.

“P.S.—­We understand that the men mentioned above were very active at the fire this morning, and that if any property was saved by their efforts the governor should have the credit for the same, for to him belongs the suggestion of allowing the police force to work as firemen, and also giving his consent, that the military should have charge of the engines.  We hope the citizens of Melbourne will remember these facts, and know in what light to regard the attacks made upon his excellency by the Argus, whose editor left England for causes which have not yet transpired, although we dare say that communications addressed to the Home office would be promptly answered.”