The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1871-01-26
AN AUSTRALIAN BUSH STORY.

obtained, through the influence OF som'
friends in Melbourne, a berth as mount
ed policeman. The service there differs
very much from what it is in othe
countries, nearly all the members OF th'
corps being well-educated gentlemen
many the younger scions of the noble
houses, who like the adventurous lite
they lead. | was stationed up country
near Ballarat, and the chief duty upo1
which that branch of the force was en-
gagged was protecting the squatters
| from the depredations of bushrangers
A rough and often bloodthirstly lot are
these fellows, too The leader of one
of the most powerful gangs was named
Morgan, a wild and desperate fellow,
whose very name was a terror to peace
able settlers. One Spring-Sprlng is
about October there-we received IN,
formation at headquarters that the mail
had been "stuck up" between Avoca
and Mount Alexander, and that many
squatters' shanties had been despoiled
by large body of mounted bushrang-
ers; and from the description given of
the leader little doubt remained about
the gang being Morgan and his satel-
lites. Our chief detailed eight of us
to scour the country, and if possible to
bring the marauders to justice; and as
a large reward was offered for Morgan
dead or alive-we set out full of zest
for the chase. The inspector heading
our party was Harry Butler, the sec
ond son of an English Baronet, frank,
genial, opcn-heartcd fellow, brave as a
Ion. 1t was Sunday evening when We
arrived at little store kept as sort
of halfway house for journeying dig
gers, and there we concluded to stop
for the night. We pickcted our horses
in kraal outside, made IA hearty sup
per, rolled ourselves up in our oposSum
rugs, and, wcaricd by our long ride
sank quietly to sleep. In the middle
IF the night | was aroused by little
lborigine. who had crawlcd in on his
stomach, and attracted my attention
~ gently squeezing my nose. Lays
lcrc!" he whispered softly, as raised
ny head in establishment. | listened |
lttentively for a moment, and heard a |
lorse Whitney outside, and shortly af-
crwards trampling Of hoois. Roll |
ng over and over, soon gained But
cr's side, awokc him and put my fin
rcr on his lips as caution 10 him To
&c silent. "rhc gang are outside, and
re probably stealing our horses"
aid, in hushcd voice. He sprang to
is feet and commenced softly arousing
ur comrades. Look To your pistols.
'oys, and come out the front way.
ialt OF us go 10 the right, half 10 the
EFT, meet III the rear, and ! guess We
'lll capture the scoundrcls, he ordered,
pcaking rapidly, but in a low tone. I
)ur party separated as instructed.
blowing Butler round to the right. our
hort carblncs cooked, and our rcvolv-
RS in our belts ready for immediate
sc. As we turned the last gable of
nc building we came suddenly upon
lrgc body of men, many of whom were
counted, while the rest were busily oc-
nplcd untcthering our horses.
Stand, in the Queens name. or we {
re-" Shouted Butler, leaping boldly TO ,
re front, and bringing the muzzlc of :
is piece to bear upon swarthy and
ough-bearded man, who waa evidently i,
lc leader. Scarcely were the words !
ttcred when flash came from anoth. .
direction, and Butler fell dead at nv :
,ct with ball through his brain.
Quick, men! The Gufliics are down =,
u.s." yelled voice in savage fury, =
nd heavy vollcy followed the words. l.
bullet pierced my shoulder and | fell =
ut while on the ground l drew my re. ;,
oliver and fired at the leader. Just at
lat moment his horse swerved, and .
'celved the ball aimed at his rider :
urslng with rage the man strove to =
&c himself from his fallen steed, and =
became aware of a sharp conflict be- +
g maintained by my comrades and
re band of desperadoes, but was I'M o
Die to rise, and shortly tainted from .
IS of blood. When consciousness 70. =,
lrned found myself lying on my back h
cureiy bound, the rest of our party =
the same predicament, and our rough '
es mounting guard over us. :,
$50 You've como to hlnst ,.oi