“Whose dog is that?” he shouted, “and why do you stand there like a pack of fools, allowing them to make noise enough to wake the whole forest?  We shall have the beaks upon us if this continues;” and as he spoke, he raised the branch of a tree which was lying near the fire, and lifting it as easily as a common man would a walking stick, he struck at the hound, who still held the kangaroo dog by the throat, and growled at his slightest movement as though he feared that one of the parties concerned in his master’s murder would escape.

I held my breath while the huge club was suspended in the air, wielded, I knew full well, by the strong arms of Black Darnley.  Twice I raised my rifle to my shoulder; and thought to interpose against what I considered certain death to the brute, but a fear that Smith and the convict were not at their stations prevented me.

I almost shouted a warning to the dog as the club descended, but my fears were vain; for the animal sprang aside, and the stick fell heavily upon the sharp-nosed dog of the bushrangers.  He gave one yell, and was crushed into a shapeless mass.

The ruffian uttered an oath of rage; but before he could renew the attack the hound flew full at him, and fastened his long fangs into Darnley’s throat.  The latter staggered back, surprised at the sudden attack, but only for an instant.  His stout hands were quickly raised, and then his grasp encompassed the dog’s throat so tightly that his eyes nearly started from their sockets, and he was glad to unclinch his teeth, and gasp for breath.

Full at arm’s length did Darnley hold the animal, and we could see a grim smile steal over his face as he thought of the pain he was inflicting.  The gang started forward to assist the ruffian, but with an oath he bade them keep back and let him alone.  I feared the dog’s life was short, and determined to save it, but I was anticipated.

I heard the sharp crack of Fred’s rifle close by my side, and following the direction of his aim, I saw Darnley loosen his hold of the dog, stagger back, press one hand upon his side as though he felt a sudden pain; but still he kept his feet, and waved to his gang encouragement, while his voice exclaimed,—­

“The beaks are upon us, d——­n ’em; show no quarter or mercy; fight till you die, or you’ll all be hanged.”

He staggered towards the hut as he spoke, but in trying to keep his balance, removed his hand from his side.  A torrent of blood gushed forth, and dyed the ground a scarlet hue; he strove to keep upon his feet, but his strength was ebbing fast, and with a reel and lurch, like some strong ship before foundering, he fell to the ground, never to rise again.

His gang had rushed into the hut upon the first discharge, leaving their leader alone, unsupported; but as he fell, they issued forth, each armed with muskets and long pistols, and a profusion of knives.

“Fire,” whispered Fred, as he hastily loaded his rifle.