Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/163

 I say, friend," he said, abruptly turning to Raymond, "are you fond of long voyages? because, my impression is, that from what little you have imparted to me of your connection with this respectable gentleman a visit to England might be a good speculation for you just now." This was a matter which had not been altogether unthought of by Hugh, but the subject at that time was pursued no further.

The evening grew on apace, and as the light of day died out, the bushranger became more silent and composed. He was laid in a corner of the hut on a couch of leaves. After the friends had discussed in whispers what course they should pursue towards their prisoner and had partaken of the cheer which the store in the chimney afforded, they made a shakedown, intending to keep watch and watch during the night. Whether it was that having a roof once more over their heads acted as a soporific, or that the contents of the "poison" bottles had an unusually soothing effect, it is very certain that the first watchman fell asleep without inconveniencing himself by waiting to be relieved, nor was it till the morning sun shone brightly through a hundred crevices in the hut that they woke and were not a little astonished to find Jarrol gone, and Lady occupying his place. Dodge rubbed his eyes very hard indeed: "We are saved some trouble at least," he said, "for our prisoner has disposed of himself. So much the better. Lady come here. Where is he?" Lady appeared thoughtful. "Show him then." Lady went to the door, so did Dodge. The door was opened, and the dog looking up in her master's face trotted off in the direction of the creek. Arrived on its banks, there, sure enough, were the fresh impressions of human feet. Glancing in the direction where he kept his boat he saw her laying just as he had left her. Then he walked for some distance both up and down