With these opinions I combated both Mr. Brown and Day, and made an impression, for the former exclaimed pettishly, that if I was desirous of remaining, I might devise some way of giving Mr. Wright and his numerous proteges intelligence of our honesty.  The task was a difficult one, but I scorned to be at a loss for expedients.

In the bosom of my shirt I had a handkerchief, made of India silk, and of a yellow color, but at a short distance it appeared white, and I thought it would answer for a flag of truce.  Therefore, before my companions were aware of my intention, I flourished the handkerchief over my head, and galloped at a moderate pace towards the house, expecting every moment that I should get a shot for my recklessness, but I intended, if there was any firing, to wait until the farmers were satisfied that I meant honestly, provided, of course, I escaped getting hit, of which I was in some fear, I must confess.

Luckily for my safety, Mr. Brown and Day remained where I left them, and were watching my movements with some curiosity, and considerable anxiety.  Had they advanced towards the house at the same moment as myself, we should all have bitten the dust, and rich pickings the stockmen would have had emptying our pockets, and boasting of their exploits in shooting three men with but a single effective revolver to defend themselves.

On I galloped, waving my handkerchief in token of friendship, and exciting dismal howls from the canine brutes, whom I expected every moment would desert their flocks and attack me, but I afterwards understood that the dogs were so well trained that no amount of temptation could induce them from their charges.  Had it been otherwise, my gallant horse would have had to put his speed to good account, tired as he was.

When within three rods of the house, I halted, and prepared for a parley with the garrison, and I was the more ready to commence it, from the simple circumstance of seeing about a dozen old muskets pointed at me, and the holders of the same glancing along the barrels, as though meaning mischief.

“Can you give me and my friends supper and lodgings to-night?” I asked, addressing the crowd, seeing no one that I supposed was in authority.

“Go away wid ye, ye thaves and murderers,” cried a voice, “rich with brogue,” and I could not help laughing in the fellow’s face at the answer.

“We will pay you well for our entertainment,” I continued, after I had sufficiently recovered my composure.

“Will ye lave, yer blackguard?” demanded the first speaker, shaking his old gun at me, and motioning for me to depart as soon as possible.

“We have been without food all day,” I continued, “and, after escaping the dangers of the burning plains, it seems hard to be driven away from a Christian’s door like dogs.”

“It’s a pity, so it is, that ye wasn’t consumed in that same fire.  Away wid ye, and don’t bother honest people like us.  Ye can’t come in here, and that’s flat.”