The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1876-06-15
AN AUSTRALIAN LOVE STORY.
Why Westley Became N Busbranrer-
rnF Stealing Stock to Win n wife.

Why Wesley Became n Bustrnnrer-
1E Stealing Stock to Win wife.
The San Francisco Post tells the fol-
lowing story OF resident of that city :
Westley was impelled to the career of
bushranging mainly by desire of re-
venge and love of adventure. He was
brought up in the saddle, and was a
first-rate horseman and stockrider from
the time he was able to crack a whip.
Australia being overrun with cattle, a
loose freedom prevailed Of branding
other peoples stock, and Westley took
the fatal step and branded some, too.
This was his first transgression, and into
1t he was led by his love for his masters
daughter, girl of some sixteen sum
mers, who returned his passion but was
restrained from openly avowing it
through fear of her parents. He hoped
by this unlawful means to make money
and then claim her hand.
What do you think ~ she said to
him one evening as they sat at supper.
"What do you think9" hsr ..I
"What is it 2" he asked. ... g-... e.
"They want me to marry old Brown"
Westley turned pale. We put down
his knife and fork. He had supper
enough for that night The maiden
smiled. f I...... 'D....r 1..- -,I..---- =
SEQ on with your supper" she said
"do you think I'd marry a man old
enough to be my father9"
"He is rich," gasped her lover, "and
has sheep and cattle by thousands"
ooh, we shall have sheep and cattle
when old Brown is Dead" she playfully
added, as she tripped away in answer to
her mothers call.
Westley was met by stockrider,
friend and companion of his boyhood,
who was, like himself, going to muster
the cattle of his employer. After chat
ting for some time, his mate told him of
neighboring stockrider who had
branded some of other peoples cattle for
himself, "and what" said he, "is to
prevent us from doing the sameP" He
had unconsciously touched a RESPONSE
BILE chord, for something OF the same
kind was passing Westley's own mind
not long before. That very day opera
tions were begun, and several other mems
cattle were branded. The work went
bravely on for several months, and
Westley stood fair chance of becoming
cattle owner of some consequence,
when,. one day, as the young fellows were
corraling and branding, who should ride
up but one Brown and one or two other
settlers whose cattle were being brand
ed. His companion escaped, but West
ley was arrested and handed over to
custody. He was duly tried and con-
vIcted, and sentenced to five years
penal servitude with hard labor in Jail
IN Sydney. In Jail he worked SO hard
he had to be sent to the hospital.
1t was while a patient that Westley
formed the resolution of becoming a
bushranger. When convalescent and
daily expecting to be ordered back to
his gang, he contrived to make his es-
cape. The very first evening after es-
Gaping he happened into a cottage on
Brlcktield hill, Sydney, where he OBJ
tanned change of apparel from the
woman OF the house, fowling piece
and some ammunition that we're sus-
pended over the mantelpiece. Promis-
ing to pay for them some day, he start
ed away. Before he had gone mile
on the road horseman spendidly
mounted approached. When Westley
pointed his gun and ordered him to
dismount and deliver, the order was in
stantly obeyed. The brigand mounted.
The high mettled steed impatiently
champed the bit, the rider gave him
rein, and both were forty miles from
Sydney by midnight, in the dark recess
es of the Blue mountains.
OF the five years for which he was
sentenced he served only eighteen
months. Meantime Susan, his sweet
heart, had been married to old Brown.
1t was hard news, and he was prostrated
for several days. She must be informed
OF his escape, however, and messenger
must be sent to ask for him her forgive
ness. This at least was due to himself
and might be some satisfaction to her.
Two days after this, "swagman
or tramp called at Browns and asked
that worthy for job of work. Mr..
Brown had no work for him, but as it
was late in the evening he bade the man
stay and rest himself all night, accord
ing to the custom of the country. The
man put down his swag and went to the
kitchen, as invited. Susan, Browns
young wife, was in and out preparing
supper, directing things generally for
the family and one or two guests.
The old swagman, Watching his op :
portunlty, slipped note from Westley
into her hand, to the effect that he was
sorry for having given her pain, asking
her forgiveness before quitting that part
OF the country forever, and adding that
if she desired further intelligence, the
bearer could furnish it. Half an hour
afterward Mrs. Brown returned to the
kitchen. Her eyes were red; she had
been weeping. The family were at sup
per inside. The old man and herself
were alone.
Tell me all about him." she said.
Not here, not now," replied the old
man.
Then in the orchard, by-and-bye,
when l give you the signal" she said,
and she vanished inside.
The signal was given when supper was
over, and while Mr.. Brown and his
guests were drinking hot brandy and
water. The old man glided out and met
her.
81 want to know if he thinks of old
times" she said.
" You have read his letter"
T" 1t is so short ''
Would you wish to see him ?"
"Of all men in the world I"
The old man whistled. In five min
utes Westley stood before her. By
break of day next morning she was with