lish language, or more probably, whether the removal of the impediments to her breathing might not have had some effect, the Lady rapidly recovered, and her master's delight was unbounded; and now all anxiety on the score of his dog's life was set at rest, the piece of linen with which she had been tied attracted his attention. He examined the end closely, and gave it as his opinion that some land-lubber, who did not know how to tie a knot, had endeavoured to steal her, but that she had given him the slip by gnawing her fastenings. Unfolding a portion of the linen, he said, "It is a plain stripe and very neat — pretty pattern, isn't it? it is a favourite one with Government, and much in vogue in prisoners' barracks and road-gangs.—Creation!!" he exclaimed, "look here!" There certainly was nothing very tremendous met their gaze, for stamped upon the linen, in unassuming characters, were the letters C. P.
"C. P," said Slinger. "Oh, initial letters of course."
"Yes," said Dodge, "and I'll tell you of what: D__d Villain, Sir." Seeing his listeners were somewhat mystified, he volunteered an explanation,—"C. P. stands for Crown Prisoner, and Crown Prisoner stands for D—d Villain, they are synonymous terms, and it is my firm conviction that our visitors of last night were no better than they should be: however, let us waste no more time, but be off."
With a deep blue sky overhead, and with the dew still upon the sward, they started on their expedition, whilst Lady followed them at a respectful distance. They soon struck on the trail of cattle, and after a little observation, Dodge was satisfied it was of his own herd, and that they had taken the direction of the mountain ranges and were completely out of harm's way.
After skirting the creek, (the water of which was brackish) for several miles, they stopped for mid-day rest and refreshment
