men presenting their arms at the time at them. He then addressed them, saying:—"Ladies and gentlemen, I am truly sorry to interrupt your amusement for a short time in such a manner, and also for treating your kindness towards me in such an ungallant way, but you must think that Captain Melrose could not withstand such a display of jewellery and other valuables while he and his brave band were in need; I have therefore respectfully to command that each and every individual present will at once hand over his or her valuables to my lieutenant, Mr. Williams, and to do so without any hesitation or murmur, or I shall be compelled to adopt more unpleasant measures."
The very name, of "Captain Melrose," filled the audience with terror. Ladies unhesitatingly handed over their ornaments, and gentlemen gave up their wealth. Having obtained possession of all that was valuable to them, the party then helped themselves to the refreshments on the side table, and then took their leave, the leader taking a polite farewell of the assembly, and wishing that they might continue their enjoyment as no more interruption would take place from him or his party.
It was on this morning of excitement that Charlie and his overseer arrived at the scene of the outrage, and heard with indignation the unequalled effrontery and unfeeling conduct of the notorious Melrose and his gang. Many of the ladies were still suffering from the fright they received. A local paper gave a full account of the robbery, and a list and description of the articles stolen, with rewards offered for each; messengers were dispatched to the various police stations, and a number of volunteers enrolled themselves for the pursuit of the gang.
Charlie and Donald resolved upon searching carefully on their way for the perpetrators. After leaving the township they obtained some clue as to where the band separated, evidently to baffle pursuers; they found that two of the party had taken the very road that Charlie and Donald had to go, and a rapid pursuit was instantly commenced. After riding for a considerable distance on the tracks of the bushrangers, they arrived at cross
