Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/98

 with murder, fire, and devastation?—Have you ever heard of such a being?"

Before there was time for an answer, which Hugh and Slinger, who were speechless, certainly did not give, he sprung to his feet, and casting his gun from him, said,—

"The man whom such lies are spoken of is before you and in your power; work your wills upon him—he is desperate and prepared for everything that can happen: "he folded his arms and leant against the tree; his chest heaving with violent emotion. Neither of the friends spoke a word, and the bushman returned to his old position, and said, in a subdued voice, "I am Bayley, the notorious bushranger."

His listeners felt anything but comfortable at the information, for his name was the terror of the whole country.

"That very paper which I put in my knapsack yesterday contained a Government notice that £200 was set upon my head, dead or alive; and £100 and a free pardon to any of my band who will be base enough to sell me; and I fear," said he, "there was one, if not more, of those who lately joined me, that would most gladly do so. I heard of the notice fortunately, and left them all about a month ago, since which time I have performed alone a dreary journey through the track-less forests, over mountain ranges where no white man has ever set foot before; and through scrubs, in which, any, not driven by necessity as dire as mine, will never penetrate again. Gentlemen, what do you think of your companion now?"

This was what would be called in law a "leading question;" and Slinger in his outspoken way replied, "Well, I don't feel proud of your acquaintance," and he would have proceeded further, but on looking in the bushranger's face he saw enough there to induce him to be silent: it did not display anger, but there was a shade of deep misery upon it,