roads, when they heard cries of distress proceeding from the bush. Riding rapidly in the direction of the cries, they found a lady and gentleman tied to separate trees. The unfortunate victims were a squatter named Ramsey and his wife, who had been riding in their carriage, when they were met by two well-mounted bushrangers, who robbed them of their money, tied them as described, and drove off in their carriage.
On being liberated, Mr. Ramsey begged of his liberators to follow them at once, while he and his wife would walk to the nearest police station, and lodge the information.
This advice was instantly adopted, Charlie and Munro renewing the pursuit, but this time with more ease and rapidity, as the wheel tracks were quite visible despite the tactics employed by the driver in keeping the hardest part of the road in order to leave no traces behind. However, nothing could baffle the eager pursuers, who traced them to a small village, where the traffic obliterated the impression of the wheels. On enquiring at different places, the only carriage that had been seen was one which conveyed the clergyman to Mr. Forbes' station on some pressing business. This somewhat puzzled Charlie, as he did not think a poor clergyman was a likely subject for a bushranger. While considering what course he should pursue, Donald came in hurriedly, telling him that he had discovered the tracks, and which evidently led to Mr. Forbes'.
As Charlie intended calling on Mr. Forbes, they started forthwith, and on their arrival they saw a carridge in front of the house.
Donald led the horses to the stable, while Charlie entered the house, where Mr. Forbes met him very cheerfully, and introduced him to the clergyman, being the only person in the room besides themselves. Mr. Forbes then said—"I am extremely glad to see you, Mr. Stuart, and you have arrived just in time to share our happiness. You are already aware that my eldest daughter has been for some time engaged to Mr. Melville, whom, I believe, you have not seen, as he has been travelling in quest of stations. He has arrived, but did
