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190 his master, he said "What a pity that people have not the same license here as they have in Australia." Charlie, understanding Donald's impatience, replied "I know, Donald, your finger is itching to pull that trigger; I will be responsible for you this evening, at least, so you may fire away." Munro needed no more encouragement, for the reports from his double-barrel told that the work of destruction had commenced.

On the party approaching Mr. McKay's house, a noise, as of revelry met their ears as it issued from the dining-room, which drowned the sound produced at their entrance. When they had gained the dining-room, the door of which was open, a scene presented itself which exceeded any Australian bushman's spree they ever saw.

Around a large table, on which were scattered a number of half-emptied decanters and glasses, a large party of dissipated sportsmen, evidently affected by drink, were seated. At the opposite end sat the host, George McKay, who, although taking part in the scene, was not overcome by imbibing, neither did he seem altogether at ease with the dissipation around him. At the nearest end, and with his back towards them, sat the profligate Lord Lundy, apparently the ringleader of the riot.

On seeing the strangers George rose in confusion, and some of the guests, whose eyes were less clouded by their deep potations, endeavoured to follow his example, but in attempting it they fell over their chairs, rendering the confusion still greater. Lord Lundy, who was ignorant of the cause of the commotion, roared out, "What are you all about," accompanying it with a fearful oath.

George McKay now advanced towards the strangers, and instantly recognized his cousins, who introduced the officers, but taxed his own memory with the recognition of the other couple, Charlie and Bella. The latter, who was veiled, stood aloof, but Charlie, advancing towards his brother-in-law, said, "You do not appear to recognize me, George." The voice was sufficient, the two friends were instantly locked in each other's embrace, and for the first time for many a year, George McKay dropped