Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-03

gully. I'll do the same on the left with
the remainder. When you reach the bot
tom creep carefully up until you are oppo-
site the cave. Let your men cover the
right-mine will do the same on the left.
Then Wen have them. But, mind, not
sound, or were done for
Burke and half the force crept off to the
right on their errand, while Cavesson and
his men initiated their example on the left.
1t was no easy matter, as they soon dis
covered, to reach the bottom but when
this once accomplished they made their
way along the gully until they reached a
point exactly opposite the entrance to the
mouth of large cave, into which the BUSH
ranger had proceeded, half an hour or
before. A dim, uncertain light shone from
the interior of the cavern, but whether this
came from fire or torch those outside
could not distinguish. To rush the cave
would have been a most foolish proceeding,
for who was to know whether those inside
| had not become aware that they were sur
rounded? Cavesson felt he must endeavor
| in some way to draw the enemy outside
IF you'll let me have try 1 think 1 can
| manage it. SIR whispered the trooper lying
| next to him. 81 can give a call just like a
dingo, and If that don't fetch somebody
| out l shall be very much surprised"
| Very WELL" answered Cavesson, ''let me
| get little nearer the cave, SO that L may
prevent them from driving back again;
then you can try your power"
| He left the man and hid himself behind
| a rock beside the caves mouth.
| Next moment there went up from the
| gully the most lugubriOus noise that ever
| greeted human ears. 1t was the exact i'm
| itation Of a dingo'S howl For second or
| two all was quiet; then it sounded again.
| Just as 1t was beginning for the third time
| the man whom Cavesson and Burke had
| seen from the cliff above emerged, carrying
| a fire stick in his hand. Not being able 10
see any dog. he stood uncertain how to act
then, turning on his heel, he prepared to
go in again Cavesson, however. was too
| quick for him, and, springing from his hid.
ing place, he barred the way
Throw your hands up he cried, "ol
you're dead mani The bushranger die
right and left, only to find the carbine bar
res leveled at him.
| essen. "I'll not speak again.
| Realizing that the case was hopeless tn,
man did as he was ordered. Burke thel
sprang forward and clapped a pair Of hand
! cuffs on his wrists.
Sergeant, take charge Of this man, ant
you follow me-
The men did not need to be hidden twice
and the party passed into the cave, ex
pecting to be received with volley. Tt
their surprise and chagrin, however it wa:
empty. Neither the Centipede nor any mem
Der of his gang was to be seen. Cavessor
could hardly believe the evidence of hi
own eyes. He had felt SO certain of eff
fecting a capture that the disappointment
was almost more than he could bear. Blu
1t was no use crying over spilled milk
he mad at least got one to show for hi
trouble u. ....- II,
Let the prisoner be brought in here,
he said. Il want to have a look at him.
The man was accordingly brought befor
,, him. and by the light of the fire blazin,
at the far end Of the cave, Cavesson scru
/ tiniZed him carefully. The fellow was non
: other than the Centipedes lieutenant
> Where are the rest of the gang?" aske
Cavesson, in a tone - command.
: You don't surely suppose 1 am going t
tell you the prisoner answered. But T.,
: let you know this much: He's where 20
, | won't find him: not If you go on lookin
: till you're black in the face. You wouldn
1 have found me here, only I've been i'll an
couldn't join them this trip. Now, Wha
4 are you going to do with me?'
: Take you down to Mulga Flat, m
l friend. 1 suppose I'd better caution 20
0 in the usual way; not to say anything t
r incriminate yourself"
You're mighty kind all of a sudden.
! said the man. I'll take jolly good care
q don't do that
9 Cavesson turned to Burke.
= We'll just have to look round the cav
II and then be off"
n Lighted by the flrestick they searched tn
n bushrangers rendezvous thoroughly, bu
n nothing could they find, save a few blair
j kets, one or two pairs of hobble straps an
e a moth-eaten pair of riding breeches.
z Nothing of any consequence" said Cav
b essen. IT'S plain they've got hiding plac
a elsewhere. Well camp here tonight, an
d friend back to the township. l shant fe'
l. easy till I've got him under lock and key.
r. They remained where they were all nigh
II and soon it was daylight made the
" | way back to the horses. Then the sergeaI
r and two of the troopers went of with II