fords a firm footing. I will point it out to you to morrow, and the mark of the spears. I shall never forget that night; but knowing the natives have a great dislike to remain in a neighbourhood where any of their tribe have died, I prefer to retain my tree rather than risk spending such another night. I often start in my sleep, and hear that groan, and feel the weight upon my chest, and have that fearful struggle with the dead. But, gentlemen, my yarn has been long enough for tired men, so let us collect some fire-wood and turn in."
A large fire was made up for the night, great logs were piled on it, and a cheerful blaze illuminated the landscape for some distance around. All but the stranger were soon wrapped in a sound slumber. He got up more than once and fed the fire, first bending his piercing glance into the impenetrable gloom of the forest: he made little noise, and Hugh and Slinger slept on. He lit some dead leaves to obtain a more brilliant light, drew from his knapsack the piece of newspaper which had occasioned his surprise, and read a portion of it attentively. It was to this effect—"Government Notice.—£200 reward. Whereas Richard Bayley,—alias the Scourge,—alias Hurricane Dick, a convict, escaped from a road gang, in the district of Menaroo, about two months since, by slipping his irons, and surprising the sentry, inflicted a blow upon his head of which he has since died; and whereas it is supposed he has organized a gang of bush-rangers and committed divers depredations. This is to give notice, that the above reward will be given to any free person or persons, not actually belonging to the gang, who shall take the said Richard Bayley,—alias the Scourge,—alias Hurricane Dick, dead or alive; and a reward of £100 and a free pardon will be given to any of his men who shall deliver him alive into the hands of justice."
"So much for that," he muttered, as he crushed the paper
