Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-09-15


troopers forming the escort, my shock
headed fellow-voyager. I mentioned my
dis rust of him to my cbum; and IN con-
sequence we only sent half Of the intend
ed quantity. The fellow evidently knew
l distrusted him, for when I went up
with our parcel, he gave malicious look
that BODIED me no good. The escort num-
bered about ten or fifteen well-armed
troopers, with four-horse wagon, and
they left early in the morning for their
destination. We gave them three ring
ing cheers at the boundaries of the camp,
and wished them safe return. I lad
singular foreboding that I had seen the
last of my gold, but mentioned nv fears
to none but my chum.
The day following I went to Mat
Durns drinking hut--a place frcquented
by Inc lucky finders and loafers to hear
the days news. The saloon was full of
diggers. Some were discussing the days
finds; others were playing poker, the
stakes being nuggets of dust; the ma
jority were standing at the bar drinking
and smoking. called for drink, filled
short Guilty, and took seat among the
card players
"WeEl Tom, how's your luck said
broad -shouldered Yorkshireman, who had
come over with me.
:" Very poor at present. l replied.
Have hand then, man; winning
dust at poker is better than digging
Il joined the game and played for
awhile. At last one Of the players threw
up his hand, and said he was cleaned out;
so, thinking it might be my turn soon, l
stopped. I finished my glass, and pre-
pared to leave the room. Just as got to
the door burly digger came rushing in,
almost upsetting me, and uttering the
most frightful oaths. The entire saloon
was in an uproar in an instant. Revolt
Vers and knives were drawn, and doz-
en- voices shouted out, What's the mat
ter?''
Matter enougnr cried the invading
digger, with another volley of explosives.
The escorts been attacked, and the gold
is gomez
"Words fail to describe the scene that
ensued. Men swore, tore their hair,
danced and raved like madmen. When
the tumult was somewhat subsidized, I
managed to make out that the wagon
had been attacked in the dead of night,
by party of armed rangers A fight
had taken place, not trooper had been
killed, and the gold had been taken.
The attack had evidently been pre-ar-
ranged, for half of the troopers had been
found drugged, and were consequently
unable to fight. Three of them were re-
ported missing, Mapping Bill amongst
the number. went off to our tent and
told Sandy. You're right about the VII
lain, but Well be even with him yet
'sWe went back to the saloon, where
we found all the diggers assembled,
listening to an account of the affair from
one of the troopers. 1t appeared that
shortly after leaving the camp the axeltree
OF the wagon broke, necessitating stop
page. Night came on, and found them
still delayed by the booken wagon. Rain
fell, and some of the troopers took little
spirits to keep out the cold. About mid
night, the troopers who were acting as
sentrles were alarmed by the rush of half
a-dozen mounted bushrangers. They en-
deavored to wake up the others, but
they were overpowered and fastened to
the trees. The contents Of the wagon
were divided among the gang, and they
soon rode off, followed by Mapping Bill
and the three troopers. In the morning
the bound troopers managed to wake the
others by their cries, and then it was
found by their condition that the spirits
must have been drugged, hence their in
ability To offer anu rncictapco
eve held hastY council, and decided
to send to station four miles away for
fresh troopers. BY means Of fleet mes
senger, search party was organized, and
they left the camp two hours later, pre-
coded by the black crackers to point out
the trail. Luckily, 1 managed to be en-
rolled among the party, much to my salts
faction had score to settle with
Mapping Bill, and l intended to give a
good account Of him if we met. We
numbered twenty resolute, well-armed
fellows, carrying revolvers and knives,
whilst the twelve troopers with us had
rifles in addition.
"We proceeded first to the scene of the
encounter. We found the wagon drawn
off the track and overturned. The black
crackers soon took up the trail, and we
went into the bush in Indian file Our
progress was necessarily slow, but We
were quite certain Of coming up with the
rangers at last. We followed the blacks
for couple of hours, then one of them
set up warning cry, and we rushed for
ward. In the centre of an open glade we
saw the body of man laid upon the
ground. Scattered around were bits of
canvas, and grains of gold glittering in
the grass. Examining the body, we
recognized it to be person some of US
had seen hanging about the camp TOR a
few days previous to the starting CT the
escort. A small blue hole in his forehead
told what had happened. Evidently a
dispute had arisen among the rangers,
and this poor fellow had been shot for
his obstinacy. We again took up the
trail and proceeded. The bush now be-
came less dense, and we made greater
progress. About mile farther on one of
the blacks, who was some hundred yards
ahead, suddenly drnpped flat OF the
grass, and gave us a warning signal. Ad-
vancing cautiously to his side, we peered
through the bushes. Down in hollow
were six rangers, seated around small
fire. Their horses were tethered near
them, and various packages were scatter
ed about. Our plans were soon laid We
made detOur, and completely surround