They'll be mighty clever if they get on the blind side of father.' 'Well, we must chance it, I suppose,' I said; 'but we were sold once, and I've not much fancy for going back again.' 'They're all looking for you the other way this blessed minute, I'll go bail,' says Jim.

'Most of the coves that bolt from Berrima takes down the southern road to get across the border into Port Philip as soon as they can work it.

They always fancy they are safer there.' 'So they are in some ways; I wouldn't mind if we were back there again,' I said.

'There's worse places than Melbourne; but once we get to the Hollow, and that'll be some time to-day, we may take it easy and spell for a week or two.

How they'll wonder what the deuce has become of us.' The night was long, and that cold that Jim's beard was froze as stiff as a board; but I sat on my horse, I declare to heaven, and never felt anything but pleasure and comfort to think I was loose again.