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172 of his late slippery client, whereupon he declared he would head a party to bring the hero into the town in triumph, and that he thereupon absolved Dodge from all old scores, and called upon those about him to note his words in order that they might become legally binding.

A party was formed on the spot, and about thirty set off, who were, however, joined by many others on their way. The Yarra was crossed in the punt, and in a little while Dodge was seen reclining in the shade of the tree under which his friends had so lately parted from him. The fatigues of the journey had overcome him and he had fallen sound asleep, nor did he recover his consciousness until a loud cheer was set up. Jumping upon his feet and rubbing his eyes, the first object they encountered was Mr. Nailem.

Giving himself no time for consideration, he took a short run and plunged headlong into the river. He only turned to look at his old enemy after reaching the opposite bank. "So you thought you'd caught me asleep, eh, Mr. N., regularly jammed up, but I'll make tracks that you can't follow." He was showing a clean pair of heels, when Raymond and Slinger singled themselves from the crowd and, amidst shouts and immoderate laughter, succeeded in making him understand the motives which had induced Mr. Nailem and others of the party to seek him in his lurking place.

"Come, come," cried Slinger, "when we tell you no harm is intended, that is sufficient."

Dodge seemed to think it so, for he recrossed the river, and notwithstanding his dripping state, was received with open arms by his enthusiastic admirers. His hand was grasped so hard by Mr. Nailem that his old fears began to disturb him, but they were of short duration, for on arriving at the punt a crowd was waiting, and the moment he appeared they forcibly