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 playfully, 'can keep a secret, I suppose' Her ladyship could. 'May I exact a promise from your ladyship that you will not divulge that of which I am about to inform you until three days have elapsed' he said, smiling blandly on her. 'Mine is a romantic story' he added. 'I cannot refuse a request made with such a grace: upon my honor I will not divulge your secret. Are you satisfied? 'I am. The reason then, madam, of my hasty flight is simply this, there is a reward of £500 upon my head—don't start, madam, or we shall be observed, and the neighbourhood of Hobarton is rather a dangerous place for Kangaroo Jack the bushranger to reside in, therefore I have the honor of wishing your ladyship a very good night and pleasant dreams.' The Governor's wife was true to her word, and the bushranger was not taken for several years afterwards."

"Listen!" Dodge exclaimed, coming to a sudden halt, "I thought I heard a shot fired: yes, and there is another—we shall soon be at Rugsby's.'" As they proceeded five or six shots were heard in rapid succession. "I tell you what it is, lads, let us look to our arms: it isn't sporting they are, and it strikes me; unlike friends in many cases, we have arrived at the right time. Now then, my boys, don't you smell the powder? quick march;" and they all set off at a round pace, which soon brought them in sight of the buildings comprising Rugsby's head station. The largest was a long slab built and bark roofed hut, having two windows and a door, all situated in front. It stood on the slope of a hill from which the trees had been partly cleared; and at no great distance was a log house which served as a store, having a door only, a narrow space left between two slabs was the substitute for a window. From the shelter of the trees nearest the huts, figures were seen partially to emerge and after firing an occasional shot, they fell back into their old positions. One more adventurous or