“Ah, Jack,” my friend said, squeezing my hand, “I knew that you would not let me leave without making an effort to see me.  A thousand thanks for this kindness.”

“Don’t be discouraged,” I continued; “Mr. Brown and myself are going to Melbourne in the morning, and we will use all our influence to get you clear.  Is there any thing that you desire?”

“I don’t know of any thing, unless you can send me a few clothes, so that I can have a change after reaching the city.”

“We will await your arrival, and while we are away, Smith must look after the business.”

“Time is up, gentlemen,” Captain Fitz said, approaching us.

“One moment, sir.—­Have you any gold in your pockets?” I asked.

“A few shilling pieces—­nothing more,” Fred replied.

“Then take these sovereigns;” and I slipped a dozen into his hand.

“I must again remind you, gentlemen,” the captain remarked.

“We are all ready to leave, and have only one more favor to ask.  Let us have a moment’s conversation with the orderly sergeant, who will have the immediate care of the prisoners.”

“There he stands,” the captain replied, pointing to a six-footer, who was ironing the men, and who was waiting to handcuff Fred.

The captain smiled to see the eagerness with which I rushed towards the man, and then very wisely turned his back upon us.  He suspected what I intended to do.

“You have the immediate charge of the prisoners?” I asked.

“Yes, sir,” he replied, with some show of respect, for we wore the overcoats of officers.

“Will you see that my friend there has every comfort that it is possible to obtain on the route?” I asked.

“They must all share alike, sir,” he answered.

“But will you promise not to iron him, and accept his word of honor that he will not attempt to run away?” I asked.

“Couldn’t think of such a thing, sir.  I’m responsible for every man.”

“But he is a gentleman, and will keep his word, let what will happen,” I pleaded.

Another reproval was springing from his lips, when suddenly his face underwent a remarkable change, and a smile took the place of a frown.

“Fifty more when I meet you in Melbourne, if you strictly comply with my requests,” I whispered.

The soldier put his hand into his pocket with wonderful dexterity, and I heard gold chink as he withdrew it.

“All right, sir—­rely upon me.  The gentleman shall have my bed and grub, and ride beside me in the ambulance.  I must keep an eye on him, you know, ’cos I’m ’sponsible for his safe keeping.”

“Watch him as close as you please,” I replied, “although I assure you that he would not escape after he has once passed his word for all the gold in the mines of Australia.”

“Them’s the kind of coveys I likes,” responded the soldier.  “He shan’t feel the touch of the irons, and shall fare like a grenadier.  But you won’t forget the other fifty.”