The police, without moving from their positions, re-loaded their pistols, and then two or three of them advanced and collected the discarded knives without resistance.  Handcuffs were then placed upon the robbers’ wrists, and they were secured in such a manner that escape was impossible.

The victory was won at the expense of three mortally wounded policemen, and four who were only slightly injured, while on the part of our opponents six were dead, eight badly wounded, and four slightly.

During the battle both Fred and myself had abstained from firing a single shot, for we looked upon the affair in the light of a massacre, yet we could not condemn Mr. Brown or his men, for they had acted according to the best of their judgment, and under the sincere impression that our lives were in danger; and so they were; but we felt as though we had rather cut our way through the villains, or have given up our prisoner, than to have caused so much blood to flow, and so many deaths in an affair that interested ourselves alone.

But the battle was ended, and the wounded required attention.  We left our prisoner where he had fallen, when knocked down by a bottle, and as he did not move, we supposed that he had fainted from the effect of fear or pain, and that he would soon come to his senses.

We were picking our way across the floor, endeavoring to avoid the pools of blood, when the rough hands of policemen were laid on our shoulders.

“Put out your digets, and on with the darbies,” they said, meaning that we should suffer ourselves to be handcuffed, evidently thinking that we were a portion of the gang with whom they had been fighting.

“Don’t hinder us, Mike,” I replied, addressing the officer, whom I had seen a number of times, and who know both Fred and myself.

“By the powers, it’s hinder ye’ll get wid a rope round yer neck.  Out wid yer digets, and don’t keep us waiting.”

I saw that the man was in earnest, and I was surprised—­but suddenly I thought of my disguise, and the mystery was explained at once.

“Don’t you know your friends when you see them, Mike?” I asked, and while speaking I tore off my wig, revealing my natural hair.

“O, the devil!  I axes yer pardon; but who would have thought of seeing you here?  It’s funny ye are going from place to place, where the hard knocks are to be had, and no pay for it.”

We did not explain to the Celtic gentleman the interest we had in being present, but passed on to where the bodies of the wounded bushrangers and robbers were lying.  Mr. Brown had already sent for the surgeon of the police force, and a squad of men was removing the wounded soldiers who could go on horseback to their quarters, while litters had been ordered to carry off the remainder.  No one appeared to care whether the injured robbers were attended to or neglected.

The poor fellows were suffering the most excruciating pain; but they bore their pangs without a murmur, although two or three of them did ask for water, and when it was brought drank eagerly, and appeared thankful for the favor, slight as it was.