FINDING THE BURIED TREASURE.
If we had once given the matter a thought, we might have known that the
bushrangers would return to their camp by break of day, for the purpose
of securing their effects which they had left behind, and to talk over
the matter of the spiritual apparition. I almost regretted that we had
not, during their absence, endeavored to gain some secure retreat,
either at the station on our right, which our Day belonged to, and where
it was thought the bushrangers would not have dared to follow us, or
else having struck out boldly for Mount Tarrengower, endeavored to have
discovered a path or trail that led over the mountain, where we might
have found safety. In case no trail existed, we could have secreted
ourselves in one of the dark glens on the side of the Mount, and
remained there until Day had brought us word that the coast was clear.
Even Mr. Brown and the ghost began to look black when the peculiar
calls, which we knew were signals employed by the bushrangers, saluted
us. Daylight was already upon us, and the occupation of our apparition
was at an end, for however horrid he might look during darkness, the
light of the sun revealed his true character, and stripped him of his
ghastly look.
As it was impossible for us to venture from the island while the robbers
infested the woods, we naturally turned to each other for advice and
counsel. Mr. Brown considered that our only chance for safety was to
remain where we were, and wait patiently until Sam and his gang were
disposed to vacate the woods, and he argued shrewdly that they would
not pass a second night in a locality that had been the scene of a
cold-blooded murder, and the appearance of a ghost of the most frightful
description.
The shepherd was in favor of the same plan, and expressed himself ready
to fight like a Briton in case we were attacked, and to show his
sincerity, revealed to us the state of his powder horn, half full of
diamond glazed, while his pouch contained nearly thirty bullets, each
weighing an ounce.
Luckily we had taken the precaution to remove Mr. Brown's gray horse
from the main land to the island, so that no trace of our presence
remained, excepting the footprints of the animals.
"I think," said Day, after a moment's hesitation, "that I can venture to
meet the coveys and have a talk with 'em, and endeavor to allay their
suspicions if they have any."
Of course Mr. Brown and myself remonstrated against such a measure, as
we considered that his life would not be worth one of his sheepskins if
met by the gang.
"I don't know 'bout that," Day replied. "The coveys ain't so fond of
killing stockmen, if they don't meddle too much with their mutton, and
I'm sure whenever gentlemanly Sam and his boys have honored me with a
visit, I have let 'em have their own way, and they have killed without
hinderance. If that isn't treating 'em well, then I was not larnt
manners."
"There is some force in what you say," Mr. Brown replied.
"Of course there is. Can't I go to the coveys and pretend that I am
searching for stray sheep, and tell a lie or two about the horses, and
then hint that I don't like to be caught in this part of the country
after dark, 'cos I have seen strange sights, that I don't like to talk
about? I don't know how we are to manage, unless I act the part
proposed, for as sure as you are alive, the coveys will feel curious
enough to know what has been going on in the island, and if they once
get a hint that we are here, it is all day with us."
"We could defend the island against ten times the number of bushrangers
that belong to the gang," muttered Mr. Brown.
"No doubt of that," remarked the shepherd, dryly; "but the coveys ain't
going to make a fight of it by any means. They would starve us out in
less than twenty-four hours after beginning the siege."
Mr. Brown pointed to the horses, as though intimating we could eat them
if pressed,--but Day shook his head.
"Tain't the grub that we should need as much as something else. Give me
a well of water and the horses, and I'll agree to hold this island agin
all the bushrangers in the country. Don't you know that when the sun
begins to scorch a covey's head he must have water in his stomach, or
he'll soon kick the bucket? We could eat the animals, but we must have
something to drink likewise, or else we'd have fits, and like as not
kill each other. No, no, we can't stand a siege and hope to escape, and
I think what I have proposed is the very best plan."
We hardly knew what reply to make our acquaintance, who seemed
determined to run his head into the lion's den, but the thought suddenly
struck Mr. Brown that if the shepherd meant to thus expose his life he
deserved to get large pay for it, and as my friend was one of those kind
of men who liked to have every thing understood, he considered that it
was his duty to touch on that particular point, and find out what his
views really were.
"We could afford to pay something for the risk that's run, in case you
undertook the task, but we are not rich by any means, although you may
think so by our appearance," my friend said, with a complaisant glance
at his person, which he imagined was dignified, forgetful that he had
dismissed the uniform of an inspector, and wore nothing but a flannel
shirt and duck trousers.
"Humph," muttered the ghost. "I should almost be ashamed to change
places with either of you. As for reward, first wait till I ask for one.
I will promise not to claim any thing more expensive than a bottle of
brandy, and a few pipes of 'bacca, and those I shan't ask for unless you
come this way again, which isn't likely."
"If we don't come we can send," cried Mr. Brown, eagerly, "and I promise
that you shall have a gallon of as good brandy, and half a dozen pounds
as good tobacco as can be found in Ballarat, if you can get those d----d
bushrangers clear of this part of the country so that we can escape.
There they go again, with their eternal _co-hoo-pe._ What in the devil's
name do they mean by that, I wonder?"
"It is the signal for them to extend, and keep a sharp lookout," I
replied, recollecting the signal perfectly well, having heard it many
times.
"Then I have no time to waste, as the funeral undertaker said, when told
that the body in the house would come to life if left unburied," cried
the ghost, beginning to strip off his sheepskins with nervous haste.
"I'm to have the liquor and 'bacca, mind."
I joined Mr. Brown in assuring him that we would freely keep our word;
and after Day had drained the last drop of liquor that we had with us,
he boldly started on his dangerous undertaking, and we watched his form
as he walked over the peninsula, and reached the main land, with more
than ordinary interest.
Suddenly he stopped, before reaching the woods, and applying his hands
to his mouth, he uttered a word that is well known to stockmen of
Australia.
"Co-hee," he shouted, and it seemed as though the sound could be heard
for miles, so sharp and shrill was it.
In an instant the various cries which the bushrangers had uttered were
hushed, and the robbers seemed surprised at the sudden call, which they
knew did not belong to their party.
Once more the shepherd placed his hands to his mouth, and gave the
shrill cry of--"Co-hee."
I never heard a yell that sounded so distinct, and which seemed to
travel such a distance. I venture to say, that if a person had been upon
the summit of Mount Tarrengower, he could have recognized the call, and
had he answered, we should have heard it.
Day, apparently satisfied with what he had done, rested upon his honors,
and waited for the finale of his adventures, and he was not long kept in
suspense, for the bushrangers, after a brief reconnoitre from behind
trees and bushes, suddenly debouched into the open plain, and advanced
towards the seemingly unconscious shepherd at a rapid rate, and foremost
in the group, I recognized the dark features of Sam Tyrell, the leader.
"Who are you, that answers our calls like a man lost on the plains?"
demanded Sam, throwing his gun into the hollow of his arm, as though he
meant mischief if provoked.
"That's a pretty question for you coveys to ask, after eating my mutton
as long as you have," replied Day. "I'm a shepherd, and belong to this
station, and am now looking after my pet ram that got away from the
flock some time during the night, and I'm afeard he's missed. You coveys
ain't seen him, have you?"
The leader shook his head in a negative manner, and seemed to entertain
no suspicion in regard to Day's doings the night before.
"I want to find the ram, 'cos he's a valuable one, and cost the owner of
the stock considerable money, but I'll be blamed if I stay round here
long, ram or no ram."
"Suppose we refuse to let you leave us?" asked Sam, rather gruffly.
"I don't care about, leaving, as long as you stay," replied Day, with
perfect assurance, and here he looked over his shoulder, as though he
feared to see something at his elbow that would prove disagreable, "but
I don't visit this spot often, and when I do come, 'tain't in the night
time, you had better believe."
This confession seemed to awaken an interest in the bushrangers, for
they crowded round Day as though desirous of an explanation; and from
the point of our observation, carefully concealed by rank grass and
rough rocks, we could observe the gang whisper to each other, and look
at the shepherd, as though he could give an explanation if he was
disposed to.
"What do you mean by your hints and frightened looks?" demanded the
leader, in a tone that was intended to act as a warning, in case Day
should attempt to deceive.
"O, what is the bloody use of my telling you coveys any thing?" the
shepherd answered. "You fellers who don't care for the devil, wouldn't
believe me, and I should only get laughed at. Have you seen my ram?"
"Blast your ram," cried Sam, with an impatient air. "We want to know
what you mean by saying that you have seen strange sights?"
"Did I say that I had?" inquired Day, casting a rapid glance towards the
woods, as though he feared the appearance of a horrid spectre.
"We are not to be trifled with, shepherd," and as the leader spoke, he
made a motion with his gun that was very significant, and Day understood
it, although he manifested no signs of disquietude.
"Is it possible," our friend asked, "that you have never heard of the
Hunter of Mount Tarrengower? A huge spectre that rides on a white horse
sometimes, and who threatens with death all who invade his sacred
retreats. I have never seen the ghost, but one of my brother stockmen
has, and he told me that he would not look upon the like again for the
station, stock and all."
"Why does he frequent this spot in preference to others?" demanded the
leader of the gang, who seemed to be interested in the story in spite of
his assumed indifference.
"O, an old stockman once told me that a shepherd was roasted near these
diggings by a gang of bushrangers, who wanted him to give up some money
that he had. The covey was stuffy, and refused, or else he hadn't got
any, I don't know which is the right story, but this I am positive of,
I'd sooner give up all I was worth than be burned at the stake."
"Perhaps the reason is, you are worth nothing," suggested Sam, after a
brief survey of the speaker.
"You have hit the nail of the coffin on its head this time," chuckled
Day. "I don't see a sovereign from one year's end to t'other, and don't
'spect to till my time has expired, so that I can work for myself."
"You are a ticket of leave man, then?" demanded Sam, with more feeling
than he had shown during the interview.
"Well, if I wasn't I shouldn't be here, working for thirty pounds a
year, when there's gold to be dug for the mere paying of a license. No,
no, just wait till I can call myself my own master, and then the sheep
and stock may go to the devil, for all that I care."
"Can't you tell us something more about the ghost?" asked one of the
men, who seemed to take an especial interest in Day's narrative.
"Well, I don't like to talk about the matter, 'cos 'tis said that the
old feller visits those who are too intimate with his name. My comrade,
who is at the other end of the station, told me once that he saw the
Hunter when he was all in a blaze, and that when he spoke the ghost and
flames disappeared. I don't believe half what he tells me though, 'cos I
'spose he tries to frighten me, but I've got as much courage as he has,
any day."
There was a breathless silence for a few moments, and the robbers seemed
to be digesting the story which they had listened to. We could see them
whispering together, and apparently were disposed to believe what the
shepherd had said.
"Here are the prints of horses feet," Sam exclaimed, pointing to the
ground. "Have you seen horsemen in this vicinity lately?"
"Heaven forbid," cried Day. "The only horse that visits these parts is
rode by the Hunter."
"Then we will give him fire to light him on his way," exclaimed Sam,
with a forced laugh, and calling his men he turned and walked towards
his late encampment, and was soon lost to view.
His gang followed close at his heels, and we were not sorry to see them
depart, although we could not help wondering what was meant by the
threat of finding fire for the supposed ghost. We found out, however,
full soon, and owed the scamp a bitter grudge for his work.
The shepherd pretended to walk rapidly in the direction of the
stock-house, but concealed himself amid the trees, and waited until he
thought the last robber had retired from sight, when he again joined us,
and received our hearty congratulations for his good conduct.
"Now, then, let us have another search for the treasure," cried Mr.
Brown, springing into the hole which Day had excavated, after he had
frightened us from the island.
"And you can't be too quick about the work, neither," muttered the
shepherd.
I asked for a meaning to his expression, but he declined answering, and
seizing the pick began to tear up the sods with lusty strokes, but
before a dozen blows wore struck, I heard the point of his pick strike
something that gave forth a metallic sound.
"Hold on, Day," I cried, "the prize is within our grasp at last."
I carefully removed the dirt with my hands, and had the satisfaction of
bringing to light a canvas bag that was so decayed that it barely
supported the heavy weight which it contained.
Mr. Brown and the shepherd were almost frantic with delight, and would
have cheered lustily, had not fear of bringing the bushrangers upon us
again restrained them.
"Down with it, so that I can say I have seen some money in my lifetime!"
cried Day. "Empty it out, and let me feel of it; let me but touch the
precious yellow boys with my fingers, and wonder how many splendid
funerals it would pay for."
I took one of his sheepskins and poured the contents of the bag upon it,
and out rattled gold dust, sovereigns, doubloons, a number of American
gold pieces--all bearing the date of 1832--articles of jewelry, such as
finger rings and watch chains, and at the bottom of the bag was a lady's
gold watch, enamelled back, and half a dozen small diamonds set in the
form of a cross upon the case. I examined the watch carefully, and saw a
stain near the diamonds. Something told me that the mark was the blood
of the unfortunate owner. I laid the jewel down with a shudder, and
thought of the cruelties to which the owner had undoubtedly been subject
before she met her death. Day, however, partook of none of my feelings,
for he was eager to possess so attractive a trinket.
"Take it if you desire it," I said, handing the watch to the shepherd,
"but you will always recollect that there is a stain of blood upon the
case."
"Not I," he replied, handling the article with as much pride and
pleasure as a boy receives a new toy; "I didn't shed her blood, and so
shan't trouble myself about this little spot that is on the case. It's
as pretty as a mahogany coffin, but it don't go."
"The works are rusted, and it will be necessary to send it to Melbourne
for repairs."
"Not I," answered the ghost, with a chuckle; "somebody might see it and
lay claim to it, and then where would be my watch, and where would I be?
Another term at the hulks is not agreeable to think of, and my accounts
of the manner in which I got hold of the thing wouldn't be believed. No,
no; I'll wear it out of sight until I leave the country, or am rich
enough to escape suspicion."
I thought that Day's course was the best, if he desired to retain
possession of the property, for, as he said, a number of awkward
questions would probably have been asked him at Melbourne, the mere
carrying of a watch by a ticket of leave man being looked upon as
suspicious by people who were not so honest as Day.
We continued our examination of the treasure, and were delighted to find
that it exceeded our expectations, and so engrossed were we in
speculating upon the nature of the dust that we forgot the hardships
attendant upon obtaining it.
We counted the coins, and found that we had about three thousand
dollars, and I judged the dust was worth about as much more, as it was
of good quality, and entirely free of dirt. "Now, Day, how much shall
we give you for your valuable services?" asked' Mr. Brown.
"O, I am satisfied with this," he answered, holding up his watch, which
he was polishing on his shirt sleeve.
"But, of course, you expect a portion of the dust and gold coins?"
"No, I don't expect any thing, 'cos I volunteered my services, and I'm
always happy to accommodate, as the man said who was willing to be put
in a coffin before he was dead. Never mind me, I'm satisfied."
The shepherd's modesty surprised me, for I had anticipated, from his
eagerness to get hold of the watch, that he would be equally as eager
for a share of the gold, and Mr. Brown and myself were both aware that
he deserved a handsome reward for the dangers through which he had
passed to free us from the inquisitiveness of the bushrangers.
Therefore, the more backward Day appeared the more firmly did we insist
upon doing justice to his merits.
Mr. Brown and myself consulted together for a few minutes, and then
concluded to give him a thousand dollars in gold coin; and when we
announced our decision, the shepherd was frantic with delight.
"O, luddy!" he cried, "wouldn't I have a time to-night if I was in
London and had this money in my pocket? Wouldn't I drink 'alf and 'alf
till I couldn't speak, and then go to bed with--"
So elated did Day get with the idea that he clapped his hands together,
and sprang into the air, cutting antics of the most singular kind. While
he was thus expressing his gratitude, and even while his face was
teeming with pleasure, I saw a wonderful change come over it. He stopped
speaking, and muttered,--
"D----n 'em; now they have done it, and no mistake!"
"What is the matter, Day?" asked Mr. Brown, rather sternly, thinking the
remark was applied to us.
The shepherd pointed with his hand in the direction of the main land,
and one look was sufficient to convince us that the threat which Sam had
uttered was no idle one, for a cloud of black smoke was issuing from the
trees, not in one place alone, but in fifty, and before we could recover
from our astonishment, a sheet of flame darted from the woods, and
gathering headway as it crept along, seized upon the dry grass, and
rapidly approached the peninsula.