bullet proof, and was again moved out from behind the trees. This time both Hugh and Slinger accompanied Dodge; who, before starting on the doubtful service, offered the post of honor, as well as danger, to Mr. Robberson; who, however, declared that as the conduct of the affair had been taken out of his hands by force, he should decline interfering any further. A very judicious decision.
As Dodge was leaving, he offered his hand to Mr. Robberson, and exclaimed, "Come, shake it; it is far cleaner than it looks, and I don't care to leave you with any ill feeling." But Mr. Robberson was far too dignified a personage to regard Dodge's honest freedom with the respect it deserved, so he coolly turned his back upon him; whereupon a torch was again lighted, and amidst a round of cheers the advance was gallantly and rapidly made. The firing from the bushrangers almost ceased until the attacking party approached near the back of the hut. The lighted brand was then thrust under the dry bark of which the roof was constructed. As this daring exploit was being performed, repeated volleys were fired from the interstices of the slabs, and once the door was opened as if for the purpose of making a sally upon the gallant little band; the utter hopelessness, however, of such a proceeding became apparent, for those situated so as to command the front of the hut, and who were not unprepared for an emergency of the kind, poured in such a well-directed fire, that the door was quickly closed. A brisk breeze, which was laden with the sweet scent of the wattle and other bush flowers, and but ill accorded with the bloody work which now appeared imminent, aided the spread of the flames, in which one end of the hut became partially enveloped.
Those who made the successful assault had retreated about twenty yards, when an event occurred which bid fair to
