not succeed in finding anything to suit him, and is resolved upon proceeding at once to Port Phillip. He has sent on a large number of sheep and cattle, and came a few minutes ago, accompanied by our own worthy pastor, for the purpose of celebrating the marriage at once, and will start off immediately after with his bride. Indeed, the proposition at first took us all by surprise, and I did not like the idea of parting with my daughter at so short a notice, but, as the young couple were unwilling to delay, I was forced to yield. I may also add that Mr. Melville proves himself worthy of my daughter, and a very eligible match in every respect, if we may judge by the valuable presents he has made to every member of my family. You may hear the applause and noise in the next room, which is caused solely by his bounty."
The last remark was correct, for each member of the family came rushing into the room, exhibiting his or her rich and glittering treasure.
The dinner was now ready, after which the ceremony was to take place, and every one took their seat at the table. The last that entered the room was the bridegroom, leading his intended bride.
Mr. Forbes instantly stopped forward, and introduced his future son-in-law to Mr. Stuart, but great surprise was experienced by the whole family at the two gentlemen as they approached each other suddenly stopping, when both turned deadly pale, were unable to give utterance to a single syllable, and stared sternly in each other's face.
The bridegroom was the first to recover himself; then, bowing stiffly, he took his seat beside Miss Forbes at the table. Charlie took his place immediately opposite, when all the spectators, particularly the host, concluded that Charlie Stuart, by his singular conduct, had, at one time, been a rival of Mr. Melville.
During dinner Mr. Forbes, in the course of conversation, inquired of Charlie as to what was the principal news down the country, when the latter gave some account of the daring outrages of the bushrangers, handing a copy of the newspaper containing an account
