“Time was too precious to give Christian burial to the dead men, even if we had had the proper tools to open the earth.  With a sigh, we left the birds their prey, and once more continued our journey through the wildest part of the sterile country between Melbourne and Ballarat.

“On, on, we went, urging our panting, tired beasts without mercy; and just as we thought we should have to halt, to allow the animals a resting spell, we reached the large cattle station of Witon Martells.  Here we found every thing in confusion; and although usually half a dozen men were employed at the station, only two came out to greet us, and they wore frightened visages.

“We soon heard their story.  The murderers had rode up to the hut about six o’clock the evening before, and wished to exchange horses.  The stockmen refused; and hardly were the words from their mouths before one of the convicts drew a revolver, and fired upon those standing in front of him; and while he was thus amusing himself, his companion sat on his horse, and laughed to see those not instantly killed endeavor to get away!  Three men fell under the fire, and hardly knew what caused their death, it was so sudden.  One man, mortally wounded, was just dying as we rode up; and the two that came to greet us had saved their lives by taking to their heels, and entering the bush.

“They had watched the convicts pick from the herd of horses the most able and strongest nags, and then, after eating what they could find ready cooked in the hut, started for Ballarat, where, no doubt, amongst the crowd of miners, they thought they would escape detection.

“Throughout the long night we spurred onward, and when daylight appeared, tired and sore with our journey, we stopped at another station to change horses.  The murderers had left their mark at that place also, and in front of the door was the stockman shot through the heart, and stone dead.

“The men selected a number of animals, and after our never-failing stimulant, a cup of coffee, and a piece of broiled meat, we were in the saddle again, and galloping towards the next station, where I knew it would be impossible for the convicts to obtain fresh horses, as sheep only were kept there.

“At twelve o’clock we reached the station, and drew up at the door.  There was no sign of life about the premises, and with sad misgivings, I dismounted, and entered the hut; but I started back in horror, for on the floor were a dozen men, motionless and lifeless, as I at first thought; but a closer examination convinced me that they were bound hand and foot, and their mouths gagged.

“It may seem to you incredible, but it is nevertheless true, and only proves what resolute men can accomplish when opposed to weakness.  Twelve men were surprised and bound, and made to lie flat on their backs at the word of command, and so well did they obey the instructions of the murderers, that the latter, very probably, were too much pleased with their compliance to waste powder on them.