CHAPTER XIX.
THE CAPTURE.
It often occurred to Charlie, as well as Donald, that Captain Melrose of bushranging notoriety, was identical with Melrose of Edinburgh and London repute, but it never occurred to them that Williams his lieutenant, was Donald's accuser, and who was the cause of his transportation.
Donald's recognition of him was instantaneous, notwithstanding Williams's altered appearance; for, on going to the stable with the horses, he heard Williams conversing with the groom, and saw the haste he was in in preparing the horses for a start as soon as the marriage ceremony was over; he therefore concluded that all was not right, and without making himself known, watched Williams's movements, and on the same plea of hurry to start, had his horses ready also.
Williams, who was on the alert, evidently expecting the pursuit, never went within doors, but watched every direction, leading the horses about, while the carriage was being got ready. On Donald leading his horses from the stable ready saddled, he saw Melrose rush from the house; on coming up to Williams, he said, "Mount and be off, we are sold," when both started off at full speed; but their former bush tactics were of no avail to them this time, for notwithstanding their twisting and turning, clearing logs and creeks, they could not shake off their intrepid pursuers. The chase now became exciting in the extreme, each horseman was employing all his skill, and was straining his horse to its utmost speed, but it soon became evident that the bushrangers were overmatched, as their pursuers were gaining upon them every moment, when coming upon some open ground, Melrose wheeled round, exclaiming with a fearful oath—"We'll fight them, Williams, there are only two against two;" he then fired at Charlie, who was nearest to him, the ball penetrating Charlie's hat.
Before he had time to draw his second pistol, Charlie
