Weir, to give a notion of their characteristic truth.

One suggestion we would venture to make, as the poultry mania is now prevalent. The fashionable world has supped full of hat-spinning, table-turning, and spirit-rapping; why not revive the Αλεκτρυομαντεία of the Greeks, as a rational amusement for the next season?

But what was the ̓Αλεκτρυομαντεία! The 'AXEкTρvoμavrɛía, madam, was effected thus. The letters of the alphabet were written in a circle. Upon each letter a grain of wheat or barley was laid, and a consecrated cock was placed within the circle. The required information was obtained by collocating those letters

CHAPTER XXX.

EMILY

FLOWERmarried Susan Briarley,

and resigned his appointment in the police-office. He took a public house; and Emily painted his signboard in oils-a portrait of his famous horse. The house was called 'The Sheriff's Arms.' Flower also became the proprietor of a livery stable, and took to boat-building; and in all these ventures he was remarkably successful. Abrahams, the Jew, used to advance him any sums of money he required at a moderate rate of interest, for Abrahams was under very peculiar obligations to Flower, and would not have offended him on any account. In short, George Flower was now one of the most prosperous men in the Colony of New South Wales; Mr. Brade was dismissed from the magistracy for improper conduct, which Flower brought to light, and was walking about the streets of Sydney, almost bare-footed, and without a shilling in his pocket; and sure enough, Mr. Brade did receive money from George Flower's hand --not half-a-crown, but a five pound note. And Flower paid his passage to England, after reluctantly forgiving him the offence of which he had been guilty.

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from which the cock picked the grains. If there was any hitch, as will sometimes be the case in the best regulated similar ceremonies, grains of corn were laid on the letters a second time, and the process was repeated.

We beg to recommend this mysticism to Mrs. Hayden, and other mediums, by way of a change. Variety is proverbially charming. Even turning tables, and talking to them, must share the fate of all sublunary things, nor will rapping spirits interest our drawing rooms for ever; and this cockular divination would be quite as incomprehensible, and equally satisfactory.

ORFORD.

There was a constable who was under great obligations to Mr. Brade, and he fancied that Roberts was the cause of his patron's ruin. He therefore brought to the notice of the Bench, that this convict, assigned to his wife, was seldom at home with his mistress,' and that he was 'in the habit of staying out all night.' The Bench regarded this as extremely improper, and the constable was ordered to apprehend Roberts on the next occasion that he found him in the streets, or in a public house at a late hour. Soon after this, Roberts and the Enchantress were drinking together, and playing cards at about two o'clock in the morning; and on the constable breaking in upon them, the Enchantress assaulted the constable; and he, therefore, not only took Roberts into custody, but the woman also, and both were locked up in the cells.

The next day, Emily was summoned to appear. She came, in fear and trembling, and beheld her husband in the dock-and beside him the Enchantress, who nodded familiarly to Emily, and then told Reginald' to cheer up.' When Emily heard the deposition sworn to by the constable, and observed that her husband was silent when

the magistrate asked him what he had to say in his defence-when she found that he could not, or would not look at her-when she heard the Enchantress abuse the magistrate, and tell him that 'Charley' was a much finer gentleman than him (the magistrate), she was deprived, not only of power of speech, but of reason.

Have you anything to say, madam P' inquired the magistrate. Emily stared at him, and sank into a chair. At this moment Flower came into the office, and took the unhappy woman away.

The Bench were of opinion that the prisoner's services should be withdrawn from his wife and resumed by Government. Judgment was delivered accordingly, and Roberts taken from the dock, and led to Hydepark barracks, where he was divested of his blue frock coat and tasteful neck-tie, his fancy waistcoat, drab pantaloons, Wellington boots, black beaver hat, and lemon-coloured kidgloves; and clothed in a suit of coarse canvas apparel, consisting of a smock frock and trowsers, with the letters H.P.B. (Hyde-park barracks) and two broad arrows (4) painted on various parts of either garment. In lieu of his white linen shirt, a coarse blue cotton garment was given to him, and he was fitted with a pair of slop' boots, with huge hobnails in the soles and heels. The cap he was required to wear was made of black cloth, and shaped like an old fashioned nightcap with a large button on the top.

He was made a messenger, and his duties were to carry letters from the superintendent of police to the various public offices.

Emily was now perfectly satisfied of the truth of all that she had previously disbelieved; but still, she could not banish the unhappy wretch' (she so spoke of him) from her gentle mind. She no longer desired to see him, or to speak to - him; but since he was her husband, and she had loved him, she could not utterly abandon her interest in him. She was now living under the roof and under the care of George Flower and his wife, who frequently suggested to her the advisability of returning to England, and claiming the forgiveness of her

CHAPTER XXXI.

FLOWER bought two vessels-a ship and a brig. The ship was sent on a whaling expedition; and the brig, with a gang of men, was sent 'sealing' to Macquarie Island. In six months, both vessels returnedthe ship laden with sperm oil, and the brig with 7000 skins. The value of the two cargoes was 37,000l. Such luck had never been heard of; and Flower, like a prudent man, sold all his property, and invested the proceeds in the Bank of New South Wales, and lived upon his dividends, which were rather more than five thousand pounds a-year.

Roberts's first forgery in New South Wales had been so successful, that he was tempted to take a loftier flight. He conceived a noble project.

He was to obtain a very large sum of money-purchase a vessel in the name of some free man'-have her fitted out as a whaler-and in her get to America or the Cape of Good Hope.

There was a convict in Carter's barracks, called Sly-a ship-mate of Roberts-who was an engraver-a very clever man in his trade; a man who had successfully copied the plate of a provincial bank, and had paid, or rather was paying, the penalty of so doing. Roberts had a conference with Sly, and Sly said that the plate of the Bank of New South Wales would be mere child's play' to him. Roberts and Sly forthwith collaborated,' and between them produced a work of astounding merit, so far as success was concerned. Sly did the engraving, and Roberts the signatures of the directors and the secretary. They made five hundred twentypound notes, and gradually cashed them. Amongst other signatures, Roberts, with a laugh upon his lips, used those of George Flower and Robert Wardell.

A convict, who had been formerly a commander in the Royal Navy, was now consulted about the vessel, and the means of escape, and he suggested a fast-sailing schooner then for sale, and lying off the

1853.]

Queen's wharf.' The boat was purchased, well stored with provisions, and all were ready for embarcation.

Three casks with false tops, covered with biscuits, were constructed to hold Roberts, Sly, and the naval gentleman, until the vessel was 'safe outside the heads'-the harbour of Port Jackson. There was nothing whatever to stand in the way of their escape from the colony, except Roberts's evil propensity. He must needs invite the Enchantress to share his wild fortunes inwhat he was pleased to call America -the mother penal country.' The Enchantress said she would, and Roberts then laid bare the whole of his heart, and informed her of what the reader is already in possession, touching his design to escape. But the woman did not keep her word. She gave notice to the police, went on board the schooner, and pointed out the three casks of biscuits in which the convicts were sitting, and peeping, respectively, through the bung-holes.

The moment they were detected, each wanted to turn 'king's evidence,' and convict the other two. But the Custom-house officer who was on board, and who had some voice in the matter, very properly observed, Well, but you can't all three be king's evidence-draw lots for it.' This was done. A pipe-stem was broken into three unequal pieces, and the ex-naval hero was the lucky man-he drew the longest piece.

The forgery part of the business had not yet transpired, and Roberts had in his pocket a quantity of the 201. notes, and with these he purchased his release from the constable who had him in charge, and who allowed Roberts to knock him down and then run away, while Sly was being conveyed to the jail by another constable whom he had not the means of bribing.

Sly was hanged, and Roberts made the best of his way towards Bathurst, where he joined two other runaway convicts of desperate character-men who (to use the colonial trope) had ropes around their necks; and, ere long, Roberts was the captain of the gang, which his fears induced him to increase until it numbered seven. At the head of this gang, or rather in the rear of it,

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Roberts committed several highway robberies, and in more than one instance wilful and wanton murder. Large rewards and conditional pardons, as usual, were offered for the apprehension of these bushrangers, but still they contrived to remain at large and carry on their depredations with equal vigour and daring.

CHAPTER XXXII.

ONE morning, Flower read in the Australian newspaper the following paragraph:-The notorious Roberts, the confederate of Sly, who was hanged for the forgery on the Bank of New South Wales, is one of the gang of bushrangers whose deeds have recently occupied so much of our space. He was recognised by a bullock-driver in charge of a dray belonging to Captain Raine, of Bathurst, which dray was robbed of sundry stores about a fortnight ago.'

Flower had given up business of every sort and kind, and was now living quietly in a villa which he had built on a lovely spot of land overlooking the ocean. It was near to a place called Bundye Bay, and not very far distant from the famous bay (Botany) whence the colony of New South Wales has derived its disagreeable (from association) cognomen. Emily was still under the protection of Mr. and Mrs. Flower. Indeed it was to her determination not to quit the colony so long as her husband was alive that Flower remained in the South, for he now panted to put foot again on the soil where he was reared, and stand on Yewbray Bridge, once more, and say, I would do it again to-morrow. He robbed my sister of her virtue, and he broke the old woman's heart as well as the dear girl's.'

It was in a strange frame of mind that George Flower strolled down to the beach which bounded his domain, and faced the strong wind, which blew in his face and tossed about his long thin hair, and sent the monster waves hissing and creaming to his feet.

Roberts a bushranger!' said Flower, contemptuously looking over the breakers at the troubled main beyond them. Roberts a bushranger! Defying the police! What

has bushrangering and the police come to, at last? What would Donahough or Millighan say to this? or Webber, or Alfred Jackson? -brave men who have died by this hand! I would take Roberts armed to the teeth, as he would be, with no other weapon than a horsewhip, or a soldier's cane! You tell me that I could not,' said Flower, talking to the winds and the waves, and knitting his brows, and compressing his lips. I could not? I will. I swear to you I swear I will!"

Flower turned round, walked hastily home, went into the stable, kissed Sheriff, and smiled at the scars which decorated the gallant little animal.

I owe all my fortune to you, Sheriff, my little dear,' said Flower, embracing his horse. If it had not been for you, Sheriff, I should have been killed many a time! Come along, my darling, let us have another brush. We'll go out together on a spree as it were, and tell Susan we are going to see a flock of sheep that's to be sold at Bathurst. Riches have not made either of us fat, Sheriff-have they? But, my honour, you are getting as grey as a badger, and I'm getting one or two in my whiskers. Can't you kick, old boy, as hard as ever?'

Flower touched Sheriff in the ribs, and the panel of the stall, on which the horse instantly left the imprint of his hoof, very loudly responded to the question.

That night Flower told his wife and Emily that he was going up to Bathurst to look at a farm which he thought of buying, and next morning after breakfast he took an affectionate farewell of them, and rode Sheriff quietly along the road to Parramatta, calling, as was his wont in former days, at every publichouse to have a few words with the landlord, the landlady, or the barmaid. And Flower took the opportunity of paying, with interest at twelve per cent., a number of scores which had been standing against him, and had escaped his memory for several years past. From Parramatta Flower rode to Penrith, and from Penrith, in one day, he went to Bathurst-a distance of ninety miles. It was to the house of Major Grimes that Flower guided Sheriff.

The Major was delighted to see him again, and so was Mrs. Grimes. But his host and hostess could not prevail upon him to go into their sitting-room.

No, Major; no, Mrs. Grimes,' said Flower, riches doesn't alter rank; give me something in the kitchen, and come there and let me talk to you. The first time I came here I carried off some of your tea and sugar, Major, and the second time I carried off dear Sue. So you see I have been to you a regular robber.'

When Flower made known the reason of his visiting the Bathurst district again, Major Grimes was astounded, and so expressed himself.

Ah, but you see, Major, it is not a matter of money with me now,' said Flower; it is a matter of passion and feeling. I cannot tell you all that is in my breast. But it must be; I must take this fellow and his gang, and you must help me.'

How?' inquired Major Grimes.

Why, you must give me a man and a horse, and you must make Captain Piper do the same, and all the other settlers who have had drays stopped and robbed. I want about six plucky men, all well mounted. Gov'ment's a fool for going to the expense of mounted police. You ought to learn the value of combination, and how to protect yourselves. You can club up to get rid of the blacks, when they spear your cattle or steal your sheep. Why can't you capture your own bushrangers? Why, hang it, the rewards would more than pay for the loss of time, and look at the inducement that a ticket-of-leave would be to your servants engaged in the affair."

'I see,' said Major Grimes; but had we not better speak to the officer commanding the mounted police?'

'No, no,' said Flower, I wish to teach you settlers, and the Gov'ment, and bushrangers, a great moral lesson. I want to make you more independent and secure-bushrangers less numerous and daring-and Govment more economical and sensible.'

CHAPTER XXXIII.

FLOWER carried his point. Every settler whose drays had been recently robbed was called upon, and

each contributed a man. Some volunteered to take the field themselves; but to this Flower, for good reasons no doubt, objected.

It was amusing to see Flower, mounted on Sheriff, putting his small force through its various evolutions, in a paddock fronting Major Grimes's parlour windows. The great difficulty that he had to overcome was making the stock horses stand fire.

All this was at last accomplished, and one fine frosty morning the force, with its leader at its head, moved out for action. Information had been gleaned by Flower of the enemy -located some eleven miles from Major Grimes's, and not very far distant from the den which has been already described in this narrative. No general officer ever knew better than George Flower the value of accurate intelligence touching not only the enemy's position, but his strength, weakness, and resources. On all these points Flower was thoroughly informed. From long experience he could guess the very hour a gang would be on the movewhat direction it would take-and what would probably be its sport, or object of plunder; and upon this occasion his calculations were marvellously correct.

After riding some eight miles there were seen, in the distance, six or seven men on horseback. "These are they!' cried Flower. Now, my lads, be steady. When I tell you to charge, out swords and at 'em. Never mind your pistols, and don't mind theirs; it is not easy to shoot a man from the back of a horse in motion, but it is the easiest thing in the world to cut one down from the

saddle. Be steady!-Here they

come!'

The forces were within a hundred and fifty yards of each other. Roberts became alarmed at seeing so strong a party, and suddenly recognising Sheriff and his rider, he called aloud, 'It is all over with us!'-then turned his horse and galloped away, followed by his gang, in great confu

sion.

'Charge!' cried Flower. 'Charge!' This order was obeyed, and a hard contest, in speed, immediately ensued, for Roberts and his party were excellently mounted. Ere long they Ere long they came to some very bad ground, which

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slackened the speed of the horses, and in a few moments the pursued and pursuers mingled and fought, hand to hand.

Three out of the seven bushrangers were killed. Amongst them was Roberts. Flower lost two men, and received a rather severe blow on his head from the butt end of an adversary's pistol. Nevertheless, the victory was complete, and what Flower so eagerly desired, Charles Roberts, alias Reginald Harcourt,' ceased to live.

'Yes,' said Flower, gazing on the corpse of Roberts, while his companions were digging a hole wherein to bury their own dead, and that of the enemy-Yes, it is so. It was to be. Something always told me it would be so. I knew it. I felt it.' Then turning to another of the slain he contemplated for several minutes the features so recently sealed in death. What was Flower's surprise, his horror, on recognising the face of a woman whom he knew in former days-a woman named Ellen Ledger. She had been transported for poisoning her father, and on arriving in the colony had been 'drawn,' as a servant, by a gentleman in power and in authority, and with that gentleman she had remained for several years. She afterwards ran away, committed some offence, was apprehended, and shorn of her long black hair in the Parramatta factory, and from that hour became a very desperate person. She had been good looking, nay handsome, and the traces of beauty were still upon her face.

'Well, thank Heaven,' cried Flower, 'that it was not I who cut you down, my poor girl. I was very near doing it once, to-day!'

The bodies were buried, and the captured prisoners and their horses taken to Major Grimes's; but Flower did not accompany the cavalcade. He was overcome by a curiosity to revisit the spot where he fought Millighan a few years previously. So Flower wended his way to the den.

Not a soul had been there since the day he left it.

On the limestone table was a pipe which had belonged to Millighan, and a clasp knife which was once the property of Drohne.