“That must be Sam Tyrell, who is called the gentlemanly bushranger of Australia,” whispered Mr. Brown, who was anxious to get sight of a man who had performed some very daring exploits, and some excessive acts of cruelty, while commanding a gang of ruffians on the road between Ballarat and Melbourne.

“Hush,” I whispered, “or you will betray your hiding-place;” for Mr. Brown, in his eagerness, moved the bushes in a manner that attracted attention.

I had heard of Sam, through his many exploits, and was anxious to get sight of him, so that in case we ever met I should recognize his face.

It is related of him, by the old settlers of Australia, that he once returned to Melbourne, dressed himself in black with scrupulous neatness, and then boldly presented himself at the door of the lieutenant-governor’s palace, passed in by means of a ticket which he had taken from a man whom he met on the highway, danced with the first ladies of the city, was introduced to the governor’s wife, and would have danced with her had etiquette permitted it.  In fact, Tyrell created considerable of a sensation, and ate his host’s ices, and drank his wine, with a degree of nonchalance that charmed the ladies and disgusted the gentlemen.

Had Sam conducted himself with a certain degree of circumspection no suspicions would have been excited by his conduct; but the devil prompted him to make love to a pretty woman who was present in company with her husband, the latter an old man, ugly as sin, and jealous as Othello.

Sam saw the lady admired his vigorous-looking form, and he addressed her a few remarks of flattery, without waiting for the formalities of an introduction.  Her husband fired up at the sight, and growled forth his displeasure in no measured terms.

Sam paid no more attention to his looks and hard words than if he had been a child.  The contempt, so quietly conveyed, only enraged the old gentleman the more, and the matter began to be talked about.  First one and then another inquired who the good-looking gentleman dressed in black was, but no one could answer the question.  The governor was appealed to, but he was as ignorant as his guests.  At length an aide-de-camp was intrusted with the delicate duty of requesting the stranger to disclose his address.

The officer touched Tyrell on the shoulder, while he was standing by the fascinating little Mrs. P——­, and desired a word with him in private.  Sam bowed low to the object of his affections, and followed the officer to an ante-chamber.  The guests, who were hovering around the door, waited impatiently for the officer to make his reappearance and report.

Ten minutes passed away, and still the officer was invisible.  Half an hour glided by, and then the crowd ventured to knock, but there was no answer.  The door was tried, and found to be locked.

His excellency was consulted, and he sent for an armorer of the regiment stationed in Melbourne, a man very skilful in picking and repairing locks.  The soldier exerted his skill, but in vain; the door refused to open, and then, grown desperate, the governor ordered an axe brought, and a few vigorous blows drove the door from its hinges, and a crowd rushed in.